In the early 20th century, hill climb races captivated automobile enthusiasts across America as auto manufacturers eager to prove their cars enlisted top drivers to compete. Newport joined this popular racing movement in 1909 when the Newport Motor Club and the town used Main Street’s long ascent up Newport Hill for an annual event that drew thousands and prospered until 1915, when fans largely shifted their attention to track races. Building on earlier efforts by the local fire department, the Newport Lions Club successfully revived the race in 1968, and it has since grown into the largest meet of its kind in the world. Among Indiana’s auto-related events, it ranks second only to the Indianapolis 500 in attendance, with more than 100,000 fans gathering each year to watch hundreds of vintage cars continue the tradition.

Photo: Rev. Ronald Irick

Photo: Rev. Ronald Irick

Photo: Rev. Ronald Irick

Photo: Rev. Ronald Irick

Newport, Indiana · USA