Lime Rock Park: The Road Course That Stands the Test of Time

A Track That Has Defined American Road Racing for Over Six Decades

Tucked away in the rolling hills of Lakeville, Connecticut, Lime Rock Park is one of the most iconic and historic road racing circuits in North America. Since its opening in 1957, this 1.530-mile, 7-turn asphalt road course has become a motorsports sanctuary, hosting some of the most prestigious racing events and attracting legendary drivers throughout the decades. Known for its fast, flowing corners and unique track layout, Lime Rock Park remains a fan-favorite venue for both professional and amateur racers alike.

A Storied History: The Birth of Lime Rock Park

Lime Rock Park was the brainchild of Jim Vaill, a local racing enthusiast who envisioned transforming an old gravel pit into a premier racing venue. With input from John Fitch, a renowned race car driver and engineer, Lime Rock was designed to be a challenging yet safe road course for sports car competition. Unlike many tracks of its era, Lime Rock was built with minimal barriers and grandstands, allowing fans to watch the action up close from the natural grassy embankments surrounding the track. The circuit officially opened on April 28, 1957, and quickly gained a reputation as a driver’s track, favoring skill and precision over raw horsepower.

Legendary Drivers Who Conquered Lime Rock

Over the years, some of the most celebrated names in motorsports have taken to Lime Rock’s tarmac.

• Mario Andretti – One of the greatest drivers of all time, Andretti competed at Lime Rock during his early career before rising to fame in Formula 1, IndyCar, and NASCAR.
• Paul Newman – The Hollywood actor and accomplished racer considered Lime Rock his home track, frequently competing in sports car events and even co-owning a racing team.
• Mark Donohue – A dominant figure in the Trans-Am and Can-Am series, Donohue’s technical prowess and speed were showcased at Lime Rock throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
• Sam Posey – A Connecticut native, Posey made a name for himself at Lime Rock before moving on to Formula 1, Can-Am, and endurance racing at Le Mans.
• Scott Pruett – A multi-time sports car champion, Pruett competed in IMSA endurance races at Lime Rock, helping establish the track as a premier stop in the American racing calendar.

Past Events: The Golden Era of Lime Rock Racing

Lime Rock Park has hosted a wide variety of racing series over the years, with some of the most prestigious events including:

IMSA GT Championship & American Le Mans Series (ALMS)

Lime Rock was a regular stop for the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) and later the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), bringing high-performance endurance racing to Connecticut. Featuring world-class manufacturers like Porsche, Ferrari, Corvette, and Audi, these events thrilled fans with multi-class racing, high-speed strategy, and legendary battles.

Formula 5000 & Open-Wheel Racing

Before the dominance of stock cars and GT racing, Lime Rock played host to open-wheel categories such as Formula 5000 and various feeder series leading to IndyCar and Formula 1. The high-downforce, high-horsepower machines provided some of the most intense competition ever seen at the track.

Trans-Am Series

In the golden age of muscle car road racing, Lime Rock was a key venue for the Trans-Am Series, featuring Chevrolet Camaros, Ford Mustangs, and Dodge Challengers battling it out in a classic American rivalry.

Current Racing Events: The New Era of Lime Rock

Lime Rock Park remains an active hub for modern motorsports, featuring a mix of professional and grassroots racing events that keep the track’s legacy alive.

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series

In recent years, Lime Rock has become a rare road course venue for NASCAR’s Craftsman Truck Series, bringing the best stock car drivers to the challenging layout. The tight turns and elevation changes create thrilling wheel-to-wheel action, making it one of the most unique races on the schedule.

ARCA Menards Series

The ARCA Menards Series, a developmental league for NASCAR’s rising stars, also competes at Lime Rock, testing young drivers' road racing skills before they move up the ranks.

Mustang Cup & Radical Cup

Lime Rock continues to be a haven for sports car racing, hosting dedicated series like the Mustang Cup, where drivers battle in Ford’s legendary pony car, and the Radical Cup, which features lightweight, high-downforce prototypes that push the limits of speed and agility.

Vintage Racing Festivals & SCCA Events

Lime Rock has also become a hotspot for vintage racing, with events like the Lime Rock Historic Festival showcasing classic cars from various eras of motorsport. The track remains a favorite venue for Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) competitions, where amateur racers get the chance to compete on a professional circuit.

Beyond Racing: Lime Rock’s Driving Programs & Experiences

For those who dream of experiencing Lime Rock Park firsthand, the track offers several driving programs:

• Skip Barber Racing School – One of the most renowned racing schools in the world, offering professional driver training and high-performance track experiences.
• Lime Rock Drivers Club – An exclusive membership that grants access to private track days, coaching, and racing events.
• Track Days & Open Lapping – Enthusiasts can bring their own cars to test their skills on Lime Rock’s legendary layout.
• Corporate & Private Events – The track is available for rentals, making it a perfect venue for private race experiences or business events.

A Timeless Motorsport Icon

Lime Rock Park is more than just a racetrack—it’s a living monument to American motorsports. From its rich history filled with legendary drivers and classic race battles to its modern era of NASCAR, endurance racing, and high-performance driving experiences, Lime Rock continues to captivate race fans and drivers alike. Lime Rock Park is and always will be a true driver’s track.