Newport Antique Auto Hill Climb

The Newport Antique Auto Hill Climb is an annual festival that takes place on the first Sunday of October in Newport, Indiana, organised and sponsored by the Lions Club of Newport and the Town of Newport. The main event is a series of timed runs in which antique automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles from the Steam, Brass, Vintage, Antique, and Classic Car eras ascend the town's steep, 1800-foot-long Main Street hill as quickly as possible. The festival is the second largest auto event in Indiana after the Indy 500.

Newport Antique Auto Hill Climb
Hill Climb starting line
StatusActive
GenreRacing Festival
Begins1 October 2021 (2021-10-01)
Ends3 October 2021 (2021-10-03)
FrequencyFirst Sunday of October
VenueTown Square
Location(s)Newport, Indiana
Coordinates39°53′6″N 87°24′23″W
CountryUSA
Inaugurated6 October 1968
Most recent6 October 2019
Attendanceover 250,000
SponsorNewport Lions Club
Websitenewporthillclimb.com

History

The first Hill Climb was held in 1909 and organized by the businessmen of Newport as a way to capitalise on the interest in climbing the hill. Hill Climbing contests were becoming more commonplace, and by 1915 the “newness” has worn off; board-track and other circular racing forms were becoming more popular. The financial returns to the businessmen shrank, as did the interest in holding the event, and the 1916 event never materialised.

The Newport Volunteer Fire Department rekindled the event as an Antique Auto Hill Climb in 1963 and 1964, but again the financial returns and shortage of manpower ended the event after two years.

In 1967, with urging from a number of antique car enthusiasts and car clubs, the Newport Lions Club was formed and the Hill Climb reborn as its major fund-raiser. The first event was held in 1968, and soon after the First Sunday of October was designated as the “race day". Early festivals began on Thursday or Wednesday with nightly activities before settling into the current three-day format.

The hill climb went on hiatus in 2020.

Features
  • Flea Market
  • Baby Contest
  • Kid's Big Wheels Race
  • Parade
  • Car Raffle
  • Car Show
  • Auto and Memorabilia Auction
  • A Model A Ford at the finish line.
  • A Stanley Steamer at the 2009 event.

References
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