Michael SatterfieldThe inaugural running of the Groesbeck Grand Prix – A Motorsports Festival arrived like a spark in the tall grass of Central Texas. For one long weekend in September 2020, the quiet city of Groesbeck found itself hosting an event that pulled in automotive enthusiasts from across the country, the kind of gathering more often associated with historic European estates than a frontier fort in Limestone County. Yet that unexpected setting became part of the magic. Drivers, spectators, and collectors all converged on Old Fort Parker for an event that some media and early visitors quickly nicknamed the Goodwood of Texas.
What made the comparison feel earned was the event’s ambition. The centerpiece of the weekend was a 1.2 mile closed road time trial, a format seldom seen in Texas, run on a twisting stretch of country road leading directly to the gates of the reconstructed fort. The sound of engines echoed across the fields as cars lined up for solo runs against the clock, their exhaust notes rolling through the pecan trees and wooden palisades.
Complementing the action on the course was the Mexia Concours, hosted within the walls of Old Fort Parker itself. The setting gave the display a unique sense of intimacy as visitors wandered among an eclectic mix of machinery ranging from a classic Ford T Bucket to rare European sports and grand touring cars. Even two-wheeled entries had their moment, with a memorable lineup of vintage scooters that drew constant attention. This blend of eras and cultures created a concours field unlike any other in the state and helped set the tone for what the Groesbeck Grand Prix aimed to be: a celebration of automotive enthusiasm in all its forms.
The Vibe: Groesbeck Grand Prix
The atmosphere of the event was further shaped by local vendors, food trucks, and regional artisans who set up around the fort and along the spectator areas. Families arrived for a relaxed day outdoors while seasoned motorsport fans settled in with cameras and stopwatches, ready to capture history being made on a brand new course.
While Saturday brought rain and slippery pavement, the drivers pressed on, laying down cautious but spirited runs that showed both the challenge and charm of the course. By Sunday morning, the skies cleared and a cool breeze rolled across the fields, transforming the final day into ideal time trial conditions. Spectators lined the fences as the field returned for record attempts.
Two standout performances would go on to set the benchmark times for the event. Craig McCormick stormed the course in his Ford Mustang, stopping the clock at 47.34 seconds and establishing the modern car record. Not far behind, Paul Haggar piloted his vintage Chevron B23 with precision and confidence, claiming the historic record at 48.12 seconds. Both drivers became the first names etched into the lore of the Groesbeck Grand Prix, helping to cement its credibility among serious competitors.
For many attendees, the most memorable part of the weekend was not a lap time or a trophy but the atmosphere. It was the feeling of watching historic machinery come alive on a real road instead of sitting static behind ropes. It was the sight of families picnicking under the oaks while a Le Mans prototype sports car howled past the fort gates. It was the knowledge that something new and unusually charming had just taken root in the heart of rural Texas.
Below are additional photos from Has Falk, capturing the spirit, color, and character of the inaugural event.
