Spending Memorial Day weekend at Lime Rock Park (LRP) is a tradition that extends back to my childhood and this year was no different. I spent the long 4 day weekend at LRP covering the Pirelli World Challenge (PWC) Lime Rock Grand Prix.
PWC is a little unique where each of the classes have two races at each event. Add in two additional races for the Lime Rock Drivers Club and this jam-packed weekend amounted to covering 10 races, 2 autograph sessions, 2 fan walks, hot laps, a car show, a pig roast, a surprise USAF C-130 flyover, and literally everything else that was happening around the track. This was my first event working as a staff photographer for LRP. I had to hustle and clock watch more than I ever had before and I loved every second of it. I am already counting down the days to my next LRP event: The IMSA Northeast Grand Prix July 20-21.
What follows are a bunch of my favorite images from the weekend as well as a few behind the scenes cell phone snaps I was able to grab along the way.
Friday, May 25
This was mostly a day of practice and qualifying. Not a lot going on otherwise on this day which meant I got to spend a lot of time trackside.
Saturday, May 26
A busy day. Practice & qualifying for the GT and GTS machines and two races each for the TC/TCA and TCR classes, plus a LRDC race.
Sunday, May 27 (9th Annual Royals Garage Car Show & Farm to Track Pig Roast)
The weather, unfortunately, did not cooperate. Cool temps and drizzle plagued the entire day forcing things to be reorganized on the fly. The Farm to Track pig roast, which was supposed to be served on the front straight, had to be moved under the infield hospitality tent. And the awards ceremony, originally scheduled for 2pm had to be moved up to 12:30. The people who did show, however, were still in very good spirits and the day was a great success.
Monday, May 28 (Memorial Day)
The busiest day of them all. 2 races each for the two top PWC classes, GT and GTS, and the second LRDC race of the weekend. Thankfully the rain had moved out, but the clouds remained, providing beautiful, even light throughout the entire day.
