HISTORY

On January 6, 2002, an informational meeting was held at the Augusta Civic Center in Augusta, Maine to gauge the interest in forming a vintage race car organization.

Over two dozen people attended the meeting, including owners of restored vintage race cars; retired drivers, crew members and car owners; past and present race track officials and other interested individuals. Mary and Charlie Lima of the Senior Tour Auto Racers (STARS) offered their advice and experience in forming a vintage race car association.

Those in attendance were informed that the idea for a vintage race car organization stemmed from a conversation between several owners of restored vintage race cars. They felt there should be an organization in the State of Maine to preserve the history of racing and to represent those individuals who desire to preserve the originality of vintage race cars.

As there were already two groups in New England for vintage or antique race cars - Senior Tour Auto Racers (STARS) and New England Antique Racers (NEAR), it was stated a vintage race car organization for the State of Maine would work with STARS and NEAR to preserve motorsports history.

Everyone attending the initial meeting agreed that to generate interest in preserving the history of motorsports, a vintage race car organization must display restored vintage race cars at a variety of venues so the public can view up close where today's auto racing came from.

And, all in attendance agreed such an organization should be more than preserving and restoring vintage race cars but to preserve photos, movies, souvenir programs, posters, trophies and other items from motorsports' past.

The enthusiasm expressed by those attending the meeting in January was clear evidence an association to preserve the history of motorsports in the State of Maine needed to be formed and was long over due.

All involved with the decision agreed formation of the Maine Motorsports Hall of Fame by the MVRCA was a major under taking for a group less than a year old. At the same time, all agreed the motorsports community could not afford to wait any longer to honor the men and women who have contributed so much to the sport.

Called "A Year's Drive to the Hall", the campaign encouraged race fans , past and present, to nominate individuals who they felt should be considered for induction into the Maine Motorsports Hall of Fame.

The campaign began on January 3, 2003 and the first steps towards establishing the Maine Motorsports Hall of Fame were begun.