In the musical chairs shuffle that occurred in the aftermath of the ALMS and Grand-Am merger, there were three major tracks that were left without a dance partner [mixed metaphors…], one being the Baltimore Grand Prix, Mid Ohio Sportscar Course, and most tragically, Lime Rock Park.  In 2013, the fan-favorite 1.53 mile circuit was on both the ALMS and Grand-Am schedules, but finds itself bumped from the inaugural USCC lineup.  While the loss of top-tier sportscar racing from the track’s calendar has certainly not been the ideal end-game situation, the track isn’t sitting back and crying about it, as they’ve assembled a killer lineup of events for 2014, too.

For 2014, in the absence of the Tudor United SportsCar Championship, the eclectic little track in the middle of Connecticut will play host to another IMSA sanctioned weekend, consisting of the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge and the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama.  The last weekend in August, LRP will also hold their thirty-second Historic Festival for vintage cars, as well as the “Sunday in the Park” concours event.  The Sports Car Club of America has again chosen Lime Rock as the location for their Trans-Am Challenge Season Finale.   Another big SCCA weekend, as well as the traditional NARRC event will also be held this year, as well as a ChumpCar race.  As you can see, they’ve already got a full calendar that most race tracks would be absolutely giddy for.  

Lime Rock has been hosting major international events since it opened in 1957.   It has been involved with major SCCA, IMSA, Grand Am, NASCAR, and historic series calendars since its inception.  They hosted the first Porsche Rennsport, and some of the best racing has been committed on its asphalt.  Needless to say, they show no signs of slowing down.  While the track is pretty much in the middle of nowhere, they have recently  invested in communications, with AT&T and Verizon towers now at the disposal of their fans.  Constant improvements are being made to improve the fan experience at the track.  

Since 1959, LRP has been prohibited from hosting racing events on Sundays.  It was way back then that the “Lime Rock Protective Association”, supported by the Trinity Episcopal Church, pleaded their case before the Litchfield Superior Court to ban Sunday racing. The court imposed an injunction against Sunday racing that stands to this day.  This is why all of their previous races were held on Saturdays, and also why the Vintage event holds the Saturday position with the Concours filling out the weekend on Sunday.  It’s just another quirk of the historic and exciting bull-ring of a track.

The track is currently in the control of a Mr. Skip Barber.  There are wild rumors flying around that he’s looking to sell the track, but Lime Rock tell us that is patently untrue.  Mr. Barber does not want to sell the track, but he does realize that he isn’t immortal.  He’s not interested in selling out to developers or golf-course mavens.  If and when it is sold, it will only go to someone who can “ensure Lime Rock’s racing future.”

For now, and forever, Lime Rock Park will remain one of North America’s premier racing facilities.  With gorgeous vistas, excellent on-track action, and a great atmosphere, LRP is the place to spend an excellent Saturday.

Bradley C. Brownell is an Editor with Hooniverse.com, but he also contributes to his own site “BavarianDrive“. Head over there for more of his work.