Lime Rock Park

"The Hidden Valley of racing"

Lime Rock Park is a 1.53 mile road course located in the northwestern corner of Connecticut. Built almost single-handedly by area native and visionary Jim Vaill on his father's gravel pit, Lime Rock Park opened in 1957. Small but fast, subtle, and challenging, the track quickly became a classic.

GTP events, SCCA Trans Am and Formula 5000 races, SCCA Nationals and regionals, NASCAR Busch Grand National (North), and numerous vintage races. Recently Grand Am events were run at Lime Rock, the last in 2001. Trans Am, SPEED World Challenge, BGN North, and vintage events are expected in 2002.

The track has proven to be immensely popular with club racers. Hundreds of events similar to COMSCC's have been hosted by clubs such as EMRA, NASA, C.A.R.T., the Porsche Club of America, the BMW Car Club of America, and many others. These and many Skip Barber Racing School school and series events pack the Lime Rock schedule from March to November.

Lime Rock runs a few very popular Open Track days throughout the year. These events are open to COMSCC members for a reasonable fee.

Because the track is located in the heart of the village of Lime Rock, directly across the street from a church, there is no racing on Sunday. Unmuffled events are limited to a certain number of days per year, and operation of race engines is limited to a certain range of hours of the day.

COMSCC officials will keep you informed as to when you can operate your car's engine. There is always a risk of being shut down for excessive noise, so be sure you bring good mufflers and abide by the restricted hours.

Lime Rock has a very good web page loaded with photos and information at http://www.limerock.com/

Track Configurations

The existing circuit is only half of the track Jim Vaill originally planned. The "Mountain Course" was to continue down the main straight (this explains the absurdly long runoff area at Big Bend) and up the hill. It was to turn right and twist along the hillside, eventually descending to connect with the existing track at the exit of Big Bend. Jim cleared the trees for the Mountain Course but was never able to obtain funding to pave it. The faint outline of the cleared path is still visible on the hill above Big Bend.

A chicane was added to the top of the Uphill to slow very fast cars after several powerful sports racing cars did backflips cresting the hill. Track length with the chicane is 1.54 miles.

Club events such as COMSCC's are typically run without the chicane.

Directions

The track is located on CT Route 112, just east of Millerton, New York and south of Lakeville, CT.

• Take the Mass. Turnpike (Interstate 90) West to Exit 2 (Route 102).
• Take Route 102 West to Route 7 South.
• Take Route 7 South to Route 112 West.
• Take Route 112 West (you'll pass the outfield entrance to Lime Rock Park on your left).
• Look for a sign on the left to Lime Rock Infield, make a sharp left turn.
• After a short distance, turn left onto infield entrance road.

Helpful Hints

• Lime Rock officials enforce strict noise restrictions. Bring your NHIS mufflers!
• There is a very well stocked racing supplies store on the premises (Driving Impressions). It has most any piece of safety equipment you might need, fluids, plus the usual assortment of T-shirts, books, hats, and souvenirs. A bit pricey.
• The snack bar serves all the usual track food, with a covered area sheltering some of the picnic tables and some out in the sunlight.

Food & Lodging

Hotels & Motels

• Lone Oaks Campground E. Canaan, Ct (860) 824-7051
• Interlaken Inn Lakeville, Ct (860) 435-9878
• Iron Masters Motel Lakeville, Ct (860) 435-9844
• Village Coffee Shop Lakeville, Ct (860) 435-2515
• Sharon Motor Lodge Sharon, Ct

Food

Route 44 (off Route 7 north of the track) is your best bet to find food, but you'll still need to do some driving to find anything.

Contact Information

Lime Rock Park
497 Lime Rock Road
PO Box 111
Lakeville, CT 06039

860-435-5000
860-435-5010 (Fax)

http://www.limerock.com/

The track office is located on CT Route 112, adjacent to the outfield entrance.