More than 100 Special Olympic athletes from all over the world will ride in classic and exotic cars August 22 in the Twilight Dream Cruise and Wrangler Rally through the streets of Connecticut cities New Britain, Newington, Avon and Farmington.
Skip Barber, founder of the race driving schools that bear his name, will lead the cruise and will be inducted in the Dream Ride Hall of Fame at a dinner following the cruise. The cruise ends in Farmington with a dinner and concert featuring Cassadee Pope and Danielle Bradbury, two stars of The Voice television show.
“It is humbling to see how important both the Dream Show and Cruise have become to support these very Special Olympians,” said Dean Cusano, sponsor and chief judge of the event. “I am honored to have my team of eight prestigious judges who volunteered their time, skills and knowledge to work with the Hometown Foundation to create this event.”
The other judges include Wayne Carini of Chasing Classic Cars; Larry Boardman, the “Car Guy;” Leigh Dorrington, automotive historian, writer and founder of the Saratoga Fall Ferrari Festival; Matt Dunham of Classic Motorsports; Andy Reid of Classic Car News, restoration specialist Gary Mastronunzio, and David Traver Adolphus of Hemming’s.
“The direct involvement with the athletes is so rewarding as we see the excitement over automobiles make an overwhelming difference in so many lives,” Cusano added. “Honoring Skip Barber is a huge addition to the event as all people and organizations combine forces and work towards one common goal–to help Special Olympics athletes. The result is very powerful.”
