Lime Rock Park: How to blend history with a look forward

Lime Rock Park, nestled in the hills that form the northwest corner of Connecticut, might be one of the oldest, most celebrated road courses in the U.S., but it continues to evolve in order to better serve its audience–which, these days, isn’t always limited to race fans.

And that evolution doesn’t involve turning the facility into some kind of private country club or forgetting its long-established roots. You can relax: Top-tier racing will remain a cornerstone of Lime Rock Park’s schedule.

“We’ve had Trans Am, IMSA and NASCAR here at the track through the decades, and those events are critical not only to our fans but also from a marketing point of view, as we are on the same schedule as some of the best-known tracks in the continent,” explains Skip Barber, famed driving school instructor and longtime owner of Lime Rock Park.

“Those races are broadcast, and that is critical to reaching new fans who might not have any idea about this small but beautiful track kind of hidden away in Connecticut. And we fully intend on continuing that tradition because it is central to the history of the place and, more to the point, critical for the future.”

Someone who agrees with that statement: Dicky Riegel, president and CEO of Lime Rock Park.

“Dicky has this vision and mandate to update the property for the next generation of guests,” explains Charley DeLana, part of the track’s new ownership group, which also includes Skip Barber.

Lime Rock Park’s pro racing season kicks off May 27-30 with the Memorial Day Classic. The headliner act is Trans Am by Pirelli, and the weekend’s card also includes SVRA vintage racing and the International GT series.

IMSA’s Northeast Grand Prix takes place July 15-16. Gridlife, a combination of on-track and infield activities that has quickly built a strong, young fan base, comes to Lime Rock Park August 19-20.

Lime Rock’s own Historic Festival 40–that number reminds everyone how many years this event has taken place–and Sunday in the Park return September 1-5.

Then add in several club racing weekends, including both autocross and road racing, hosted by SCCA, NASA, EMRA, BMW CCA, PCA and more.

How to Keep a Track Booked 24/7

But loading up a track schedule with that real racing comes with some challenges: There are only 52 weekends per year, and Lime Rock Park has to stay silent on Sundays due to a local noise ordinance. Then add in the winter months.

“So every day we’re in the business of trying to figure out how to help people utilize the property,” DeLana continues.

In the spring of 2021, Lime Rock Pack saw a big addition that will help more people enjoy the track: the creation of the FCP Euro Proving Grounds, a project backed by the popular European parts house.

The goal of the project is to create a space where enthusiasts can push their cars to the limit in a safe, controlled environment. The new space also provides FCP Euro with a backdrop for content creation.

The project entailed a complete redo of the facility’s old autocross course, one that resembled more of a mini road course than the traditional parking lot filled with cones.

The old course as well as the adjacent skidpad were completely repaved, and the two are now linked together. Multiple layouts are possible, with lengths ranging from 0.222 to 0.519 miles. The redo also included motorsports-grade curbing.

“So we now have a cool mini track,” DeLana says. “And now it’s a perfect entry-level opportunity.”

How to Welcome More People to Motorsports

Let’s back up for a second: The FCP Euro Proving Grounds have created a perfect entry-level opportunity.

A constant goal for track management, DeLana explains, is to create stairsteps for enthusiasts. The goal has been to develop a facility that works for everyone, from rookies and newcomers to the sport to seasoned pro racers.

Another step toward welcoming more people to the track: regular Sunday car shows held in conjunction with FCP Euro. This year’s show schedule started with Volvo and Saab, and DeLana notes that the facility can then cycle through the rest of the European models: BMW and Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and Mini.

This fall, Wayne Carini is expected to bring one of his cars and coffee events to Lime Rock Park. “He’s a beloved Connecticut resident,” DeLana notes.

Enthusiasts can also get involved from the other side of the ropes, as Lime Rock Park hosts two volunteer programs. The members of its Righthanders Club support track events, help run autograph sessions, drive courtesy shuttles and, basically, welcome people to the facility. Internship programs are also offered, providing a valuable steppingstone to those seeking careers in sports marketing, event management or other automotive businesses.

What about those who aren’t interested in cars? Non-motorsports community events have also been added to the schedule–like a rare plant and garden antique sale called Trade Secrets; a craft beer festival; the 99th running of the Round Hill Highland Games; and the Great Country Mutt Show. (Prepare for puppy kisses.)

“The takeaway is that the activity at the track this year may double the number of people who come to the property,” DeLana says. “We’re going to welcome a lot of different people.”

How to Improve a Track’s Infrastructure

Updated infrastructure will welcome those guests, whether regulars or first-timers, DeLana continues.

A recently unveiled plan includes new infield garages plus a high-end hotel to be built on the property in conjunction with Delamar, an established name in Connecticut luxury lodging.

Also coming soon: a new infield catering kitchen complete with a dining terrace. “We’ll have a world-class kitchen on the infield,” DeLana notes, adding that the hospitality crew will no longer have to cross the bridge to deliver their cooking.

In the end, it’s all about creating a welcoming destination. “We want people to come up and just experience the beauty of Northwest Connecticut, have a glass of rosé, enjoy the Ferraris and go home,” DeLana says. “Come have fun.”

Lime Rock Park is beautiful in its own right, he continues, while the expanded schedule and amenities should appeal to an even wider audience.

“We all have a million passions,” he says, adding that the track aims to cater to many of them. “The experience is not only rich in history but is in a cool, fun environment.”