Trans-Am champions Tommy Kendall and George Follmer were feted as local favorite Sam Posey was also on hand to see an impressive collection of Trans-Am cars stage a thrilling race.

Kendall and Follmer signed autographs at the Rolex “Moments in Time” display before getting a chance to take to the track during the lunch break. Kendall, who won the Trans-Am event in a Mustang at Lime Rock Park during his record-breaking 1997 season, took to the track in the famed blue Penske-prepared Sunoco Trans-Am Camaro as Follmer led the way in the 302 Boss Mustang he campaigned in 1970.

“It’s a little odd to be driving a Chevy after all the years of being the Ford ‘bad guy,” said Kendall. “But the car was wild to drive-it barely wanted to go straight!”

Follmer, who won the 1965 USRRC Championship, scored points in his Formula 1 debut race, was runner-up to teammate Mark Donahue in 1968 Trans-Am and went on to win the Trans-Am Championship in 1972 and 1976 and the Can-Am Championship in 1972, was asked by track announcer Greg Rickes which he misses the most.

“The racing was just so good in Trans-Am, the best I ever experienced,” said Follmer. “It’s great to be back here at Lime Rock Park and I’ll be curious to hear what Tommy thinks after he drives the old car!”

Sam Posey, who raced in Trans-Am at the categories’ apogee, was in the PA booth as Greg Rickes called the Trans-Am vintage race. Posey took particular interest in the progress of the 1970 Dodge Challenger he raced as driver Ken Epsman made a strong charge from deep in the twenty-nine car field to finish fifth.

“It’s a little hard to see that car race, but I have to say I admire what Ken is able to do with it,” said Posey. “I don’t think there will ever be a series quite like what Trans-Am was, but it was great to see so many of these old cars race today.”