American Muscle Returns

American muscle returns to Lime Rock Park this weekend when The Trans Am Series is presented by Pirelli in the traditional Memorial Day Classic May 28th.

The Trans Am Series by Pirelli, combined with the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) and International GT, presents a mix of modern and vintage race cars on the same weekend.

The Trans Am features Mustangs, Camaros, Challengers and Corvettes, some of the most nostalgic of American cars. The series was inaugurated at Sebring International Raceway in Florida in 1966 as the Trans American Sedan Championship and first came to Lime Rock the following year, at the beginning of its “Golden Years.” Lime Rock Park, which is hosting the event for the 30th times, has since been the setting for key moments in Trans Am history.

The Trans-Am began as the battlefield for American manufacturers as AMC Javelins, Ford Mustangs, Chevrolet Camaros, Dodge Challengers and the Plymouth Barracuda vied for dominance. Over the years rule changes broadened and divided the field, however, with the likes of Al Holbert and Paul Miller winning in Porsches and Paul Newman in a Nissan.

The series returned to its roots in 1989 as American carmakers—Ford, Oldsmobile and Chevrolet—squared off, with Ford marking the 25th anniversary of the Mustang by claiming its first Manufacturers’ Championship since 1970. A year later, when the series celebrated its own 25th anniversary, Chevrolet carried the day, winning its first title in seven years. The later 1990s and early 2000s saw exotic imports challenging the domestic Corvettes, with winners including Boris Said in a Panoz Esperante and Johnny Miller in a Rocketsports XKR.

Over the years, a virtual Who’s Who of racing legends have driven at the park but the action was interrupted last year when the country was in the grip of the Covid-19 pandemic. It resumes full operation this year with provisions made for the safety of both viewers and competitors. Indeed, fans can combine racing pleasure with enhancing their own safety by visiting onsite vaccination vans throughout the Memorial Day Classic weekend.

“Lime Rock Park is the perfect venue for spectators to finally get back outside after too many months of confinement,” said Dicky Riegel, Lime Rock’s president and CEO. “Its natural amphitheater setting among 400 acres allows fans to view the action and get comfortable from a huge range of locations. With no grandstands on the property, race fans can spread out a blanket and lawn chairs, enjoy food and drink from our concession stands and other offerings.”

For those who like a more luxurious experience, LRP is offering a VIP Fan Hospitality Tent. Fan Zone Hospitality includes shaded seating, a continental breakfast, a buffet lunch, special guest appearances, and an event bag. Children ages 16 and younger pay $30 for Hospitality but are admitted free into the track. Anyone 17 and older pays $195 for Hospitality which includes track admission. No refunds or exchanges are permitted.

Worried about lugging your cooler, pop-up tent, chairs, and gear from the car to Spectator Hillside? How about reserving a 9-by-10-foot cabana for $350, which includes four chairs. Located in Lime Rock’s best viewing areas, personal cabanas are like V.I.P. Mini-Hospitalities: a three-sided cabana near cafes and taverns. In addition, a Park Pavilion Pass gives fans access to the “Fast-Pass Line” at the Beer Tent and a 30-percent discount at the three food concessions.

The Trans Am Series will be the highlight of the weekend, with 100-mile races on Saturday and Monday. Local driver Chris Dyson will take on defending seven-time champion Ernie Francis Jr., two-time champ Amy Ruman, second-generation veteran Simon Gregg and all the Trans Am regulars in the Saturday feature. The 1:20 PM race will spotlight the TA, XGT, SGT and GT classes. Then, on Monday, the large and competitive Trans Am TA2 class will take the green flag at 1:15 PM.

The weekend also includes a full contingent of SportsCar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) events, with Mazda as the featured marque, and International GT classes for late model Porsche and Ferrari competitors.

The SVRA, one of the oldest organizations in vintage racing, provides a “rolling history” of motorsport. It is the only organization with a national presence offering endurance racing events across the country. The International GT, a North American racing series, includes The Stuttgart Cup, Mission Foods GT3 Cup Trophy and The Maranello Cup championships for late-model Porsche and Ferrari competitors.

Sunday, a day of relative quiet at the Park, brings the Royals Car Show, a family friendly hometown charity show run by the Royals family of Royals’ Garage in Torrington, and the Park. It takes plan between 10AM and 3PM on the Sam Posey Straight, with awards presented at 2PM.

All types of vehicles are welcome, including muscle cars, import/tuners, street rods, motorcycles, classic cars, antiques, race cars, trucks and the like. To participate in the Royals show, the cost is $10 per car. Each person in the car must also have an admission ticket. Tickets are $5 in advance or $10 at the gate.

Food trucks, beverage carts and vendors will be located among the cars and the Lime Rock Cafe in A Paddock will be open. For those who wish a seated meal, the second annual Farm-to-Track Picnic is set for 12:30 -2PM. Purchase tickets in advance by visiting www.limerock.com/farm2track.
Call (860) 435-5000 for additional information.