Newport in Vermillion County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Newport Hill Climb
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, June 15, 2021
1. Newport Hill Climb Marker
During a brief heyday in the early 20th century, hill climb races captured the imagination of automobile enthusiasts across America. A multitude of auto manufacturers, anxious to prove their cars, enlisted motorsports’ best drivers to compete in the popular form of racing. In 1909 the Newport Motor Club and the town of Newport joined the hill climb phenomenon, using Main Street’s long run up daunting Newport Hill. Thousands thronged to the annual event and it prospered until 1915.
By 1915 fans had largely abandoned hill climbs for increasingly popular track races. Building on earlier efforts of the local fire department, the Newport Lions Club successfully revived Newport’s race in 1968. Since, it has grown into the largest meet of its kind in the world. Among Indiana’s auto-related events, its second only to the Indianapolis 500 in attendance. Annually, over 100,000 fans gather to watch hundreds of vintage cars take part in the Newport Hill Climb’s proud legacy.
Erected 2019 by Indiana Racing Memorial Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment
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Location. 39° 53.098′ N, 87° 24.537′ W. Marker is in Newport, Indiana, in Vermillion County. Marker is at the intersection of South Main Street and East Extension Street, on the right when traveling south on South Main Street. The marker stands on the Vermillion Courthouse lawn. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 255 S Main St, Newport IN 47966, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Vermillion County Courthouse (a few steps from this marker); Vermillion County Indiana - - War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Vermillion County Jail (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Newport Covered Bridge (approx. 1.3 miles away); Mill Creek Covered Bridge (approx. 3 miles away); Fulton Township (approx. 4.9 miles away); Tangier High School Bell (approx. 5.3 miles away); Honor Roll of Iraq and Afghanistan War Deaths from Indiana (approx. 5.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newport.
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, June 15, 2021
2. Newport Hill Climb Marker
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, June 15, 2021
3. Newport Hill Climb Marker
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, June 15, 2021
4. Lane marking, on South Main Street; the starting line is in front of the courthouse.
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, June 15, 2021
5. The Lions Club operates the Hill Climb from a pair of buildings, opposite the courthouse.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 25, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 24, 2021, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 170 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 24, 2021, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
