Lime Rock

Overview

Nestled in the picturesque hills of Connecticut's Northwest Corner, Lime Rock Park is a historic road racing circuit renowned for its challenging layout and beautiful natural setting. Located at 41.9285°N, 73.3810°W in Lakeville, Connecticut, this 1.5-mile track stands out as one of America's oldest continuously operating road racing venues. The compact yet technically demanding course offers drivers a unique combination of fast straights, sweeping turns, and elevation changes, making it a favorite among motorsport enthusiasts and professionals alike. With its park-like atmosphere and spectator-friendly design, Lime Rock provides excellent viewing opportunities of nearly the entire circuit from multiple vantage points.

Technical Specifications and Track Features

Lime Rock Park features a 1.5-mile (2.41 km) natural terrain road course with seven challenging turns when run in its traditional configuration. The track is distinguished by its right-turn-only layout in the classic configuration, making it one of the few professional circuits without left turns. The Sam Posey Straight allows cars to reach impressive speeds before entering the demanding Big Bend (Turn 1), a challenging right-hander that tests driver commitment.

The Uphill section features a significant elevation change of approximately 150 feet, challenging drivers with a blind crest followed by the technically difficult West Bend. The Downhill, one of the track's signature sections, requires precision and courage as drivers navigate a fast, sweeping right-hander while managing the gravitational forces of the descent. The final turn, known as Right Hander, leads back onto the main straight, completing a lap that typically ranges from under 50 seconds for top-tier race cars to just over a minute for production-based vehicles.

In recent years, an optional chicane was added to the Uphill section and an alternative final corner configuration, giving the track additional layout options for different racing series.

Facilities and Specialized Areas

The circuit offers comprehensive facilities to support various motorsport activities. The paddock area provides ample space for teams, with professional garages available for major events. Lime Rock Park features several specialized areas, including a dedicated autocross section and a challenging 0.5-mile infield course used for driver training and smaller events.

Spectator amenities include multiple grandstand areas, hillside viewing locations with excellent sightlines, modern restroom facilities, and diverse food and beverage options. The Lime Rock Chalet serves as a premium hospitality venue, offering air-conditioned comfort and catering services for corporate events and VIP experiences. The track's modern timing and scoring systems, along with a professional media center, support broadcast-quality event coverage.

For participants, the circuit maintains a skid pad for vehicle dynamics training and testing. The park also features picnic areas, walking trails, and children's play areas, enhancing its appeal as a family-friendly destination even on non-race days.

History

Lime Rock Park's rich history began in 1957 when the track first opened, making it one of America's oldest continuously operating road racing venues. The circuit was designed by racing driver John Fitch with input from Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory, creating a layout that has remained largely unchanged for over six decades – a testament to its excellent original design.

The track has hosted numerous prestigious racing series throughout its history, including Trans-Am, IMSA, NASCAR's Modified Tour, and the SCCA National Championship. Racing legends such as Mark Donohue, Paul Newman (who considered Lime Rock his home track), and Sam Posey (for whom the main straight is named) have all competed here extensively.

In 1984, Skip Barber, the renowned racing driver and school founder, purchased the facility and initiated various improvements while preserving the track's historic character. In 2008, the circuit underwent a significant $5 million renovation that included surface repaving, safety improvements, and facility upgrades, ensuring its continued relevance in modern motorsport.

Today, Lime Rock Park balances its storied heritage with modern racing demands, hosting premier events like the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship while maintaining a busy calendar of club racing, vintage events, and driving schools throughout its April to October season.