20 Non-Racing Activities to Do during Historic Festival 40

Plenty of action will be happening on the track during the Historic Festival 40 presented by Corvette this weekend, but there are also plenty of off-the-track activities for the whole family to enjoy while visiting Lime Rock Park.

 

You won’t want to miss out on these 20 family-fun activities.

 

1. HISTORIC FESTIVAL PARADE PRESENTED BY SALISBURY BANK AND FALLS VILLAGE INN (THURSDAY)

Race weekend kicked off with a huge 17-mile parade composed of 100 vintage and historic cars, making stops in the small towns surrounding the track. It ended at the Falls Village Inn with the cars on display during the Falls Village, CT, street fair. 

 

2. NO NAME STRAIGHT DEDICATION CEREMONY (SATURDAY)

Lime Rock Park’s famous “No Name Straight” will finally get a name. The dedication ceremony will with a historic Corvette parade lap circling the original Lime Rock Park circuit before Skip Barber, Lime Rock executives and special guests reveal the new name.

Location: Fans can watch from Spectator Hill

When to Visit: The ceremony starts at 5:45pm

Insider Tip: Complimentary Budweiser will be handed out to our 21+ fans (first come first serve) at the base of Spectator Hill for a special toast to conclude the special event.

 

3. CORVETTE CONCEPT CARS CONCOURS (ALL WEEKEND)

Lime Rock Park will host a once-in-a-lifetime gathering of a dozen Corvette concept cars as the Historic Festival launches celebrations for the 70th year of the Corvette. The extraordinary display will start with the Corvette SS originally raced at Sebring in 1957 by Lime Rock general manager John Fitch. Joining the SS will be the legendary Sting Ray racer, the concept that previewed the famed “midyear” 1963-1967 Corvettes. Also on display will be several mid-engine Corvette concepts, including the advanced 1976 Aerovette and the rarely seen CERV III research vehicle. Several other mid-engine concepts will be displayed, leading up to the current C8 Stingray.

Location: Front of Paddock A

When to Visit: The 12 Corvette Concept Cars will be on display from 9am-5pm each day.

Cars on Display:

• 1957 SS
• 1959 Corvette Sting Ray Racer (XP-87)
• 1959 CERV I
• 1961 Corvette Mako Shark
• 1964 CERV II
• 1968 Astro II (XP880)
• 1969 Corvette Manta Ray
• 1972 Reynolds Aluminum Corvette
• 1973 Aerovette
• 1986 Corvette Indy
• 1990 CERV III
• 1992 Stingray III
• 2009 Corvette Sting Ray Concept

 

4. SUNDAY IN THE PARK: LIME ROCK CONCOURS (SUNDAY)

Sunday in the Park: The Lime Rock Concours offers a special lineup of beautiful and historic cars across several groups to vie for the Best-in-Show Award. Dress in your Sunday best to wander around the Park and gander at the finest examples of automobiles and motorcycles in the northeast.

Location: Sam Posey Front Straight

When to Visit: Sunday, Sept. 4,  10am–2pm (2pm Awards)

Activities: View a collection of historic cars hand-picked by Skip Barber. Class highlights include Corvette Concepts, Corvette Competition, Ferrari 75^th Anniversary and Unrestored Originals.

Editors Note: Sunday in The Park requires a ticket. It is $25 for the day, which also includes the Gathering of the Marques.

 

5. GATHERING OF THE MARQUES PRESENTED BY FCP EURO (SUNDAY)

Sunday’s second event is the Gathering of the Marques, which hosts enthusiasts and clubs representing nearly every make and model, all arranged around the 1.5-mile Lime Rock course. More than 600 cars are expected.

Location: Lime Rock Park, cars staged around the 1.5-mile circuit

When to Visit: Sunday, Sept. 4,  10am–2pm (2pm Awards)

Activities: View cars from nearly every make and model owned by racing and car enthusiasts.

Editors Note: The Gathering of the Marques requires a ticket. It is $25 for the day, which also includes the Sunday at The Park event.

 

6. CORVETTE DESIGN: PAST, PRESENT…AND A HINT OF THE FUTURE PANEL (SATURDAY)

As part of its upcoming commemoration of 70 years of Corvette history at the 40th Historic Festival, Lime Rock Park will host a dinner and panel discussion- “Corvette Design: Past, Present … and a Hint of the Future” – focused on the iconic car’s design concepts over the years. Joining this very special evening will be Michael Simcoe, the current leader of GM Global Design, as well as his predecessor, Ed Welburn. Also taking part in the panel will be Phil Zak, Executive Director of Global Chevrolet Design, as well as his predecessor John Cafaro, who also served as Corvette Chief Designer from 1986 to 1999.

Location: Lime Rock Infield Chalet

When to Visit: The dinner starts at 6pm and should wrap up around 9pm.

Insiders Tip: This is the first time these four GM executives have gathered together on the East Coast. The panel will open the discussion up for questions from the attendees at the end of the presentation.

Editors Note: Due to the limited seating and hospitality, this event requires an extra ticket, which includes dinner and the Corvette-focused panel discussion. Get tickets here: Tickets | Lime Rock Historic Festival Dinner and Seminar | Lime Rock Park

 

7. THE MIDWAY (ALL WEEKEND)

From display cars and motorsport art to local food vendors, the Midway offers a little bit of everything for Lime Rock Park fans. 

Location: The top of Spectator Hill, in front of the Beer Tent and near Park Provisions Concession Stand.

When to Visit: Breakfast and Lunchtime. The Mid-Way is open on Friday, Saturday and Monday from 9am-5pm

Must Do: Visit booths for free items, LRP Letter Photo, The Kid Zone, Food Trucks and the Titos RV (for guests 21+)

Vendor List: A variety of vendors will line The Midway. Confirmed so far are:

• Poorboys World
• Hole in The Wall Gang
• Ferrari & Lambo Lit
• Artist Tent
• Meccanic Shop
• Z06 Display
• Gunthers
• I Know a Guy
• Artisim
• Avid
• Info Tent
• Veras Steak
• Lemongrass
• Green House Tavern
• Great Falls
• Salisbury Bank
• Just Hands Foundation
• Piston Foundation
• Hagerty
• Gears in Heaven
• The Auto Attic
• Louis Scheider Business
• NYS Collections
• Solider Solutions
• Northeast Formula Vee\
• Velocity Stack Shack
• Skip Barber Racing School
• Sportscar Art
• Harrels
• Raceart
• People Kars
• BMW
• Corvette Generational Display
• Downeast Cider
• Zurich
• Kids Zone

8. THE KIDS ZONE (ALL WEEKEND)

The Kids Zone is a great stop along The Midway filled with activities for kids of all ages. 

Location: Midway

When to Visit: Go early to beat the lines, the midway gets very busy during lunch break. Can’t make it in the morning? The Kid Zone is open on Friday, Saturday and Monday from 9am-5pm.

Activities: Get your face painted, be silly in the Photo Booth, hop in the Panoz Kids Car for a photo, build a race car with building kits provided by Lowes, compete against the whole family by racing RC Cars, make your own IMSA hard card souvenir and play yard games like Jenga, Connect 4 and Corn Hole.

Must Do: Before leaving the Kid Zone pick up a Kids Activity Book and a pack of crayons. The activity book is a scavenger hunt book that will take you to key points around Lime Rock Park.

 

9. ARTISTS TENT (ALL WEEKEND)

The Midway Artists Tent has something for everyone. The group of local artists and businesses will feature fine art, luxury items and automobilia.

Location: The Midway

When to Visit: Visit the Artisan tent early. Several one-of-a-kind art pieces will be for sale and some artists will even be live painting and drawing charactures on Friday, Saturday and Monday from 9am-5pm.

Participating Artist List:

• Gillgraphics Design Company
• Liverpool Motor Works
• Keystone Production Services
• Larry Trepel/Sports Car Market
• Block Prints
• Chris-O Art
• In Roads America
• Tiny Bubbles on Tap
• Low Sport Gear
• Berkshire Mountain Distillers
• Water Witch Hose Company No. 2
• The Pass CBD
• Chelsea Motoring Literature
• Suixtil-USA

10. MECCANIC SHOP REVOLVING SUPERCARS DISPLAY (ALL WEEKEND)

The Meccanic Shop will have a different display each day of the event of Supercars through the decades. 

Location: Midway (booth location backs up to Spectator Hill)

When to Visit: The display will change daily, so go every day to check out the new cars from 8am-5pm.

Supercar Display Schedule:

• Supercars of the 50s on Fridays
• Supercars of the 60s on Saturdays
• Supercars of the 70s on Sundays
• Supercars of the 80s-90s on Monday

 

11. SWAP MEET (ALL WEEKEND)

The HF40 Swap Meet is a collector’s dream, featuring a variety of vendors with vintage automobilia, auto/racing merchandise, vintage car parts and even a few cars for sale. All things cars will be available at the Swap Meet.

Location: Far side of B Paddock, near the maintenance past false grid. Fans can follow the signage from the A/B Paddock split.

When to Visit: If you’re planning on going to the Swap Meet, it should be the first thing you do, since most vendors only have one of whatever they are selling. The area is open 9am-5pm Friday, Saturday and Monday and from 10am-2pm on Sunday.

Activities: Find a new die-cast or grab some vintage racing memorabilia, pick up some parts for your race car and even shop for a new-to-you classic.

 

12. BOOK SIGNINGS (SATURDAY)

Several authors will be on hand, autographing books related to Lime Rock Park.  

Location: Midway at the Skip Barber Racing School Tent

When to Visit: Saturday during lunch hour from 12:40-1:10pm

Authors: Gordon Kirby, Tom Cotter, Skip Barber, Judy Stropes

Insiders Tip: Each book will be available for presale at the Info Booth on the midway starting Friday

 

13. SUPPORT LRP COMMUNITY PARTNERS (ALL WEEKEND)

Three of Lime Rock Park’s Community Partners will be on location during the HF40: The Hole in the Wall Gang, The Piston Foundation and the International Motor Racing Research Center. Each partner will have a booth with more information about their causes, along with items to purchase or opportunities to make a donation

Location: Midway

When to Visit: Friday, Saturday and Monday from 9am-5pm

Editor’s Note: Thanks to our friends over at the International Motor Racing Research Center in Watkins Glen, NY, you have a chance to win a new 2022 IMSA GTLM Championship C8.R Corvette Stingray Convertible with the Z51 Performance Package by purchasing a raffle ticket at their booth! Every contribution benefits the IMRRC, a 501(c)(3) organization.

 

14. WIN A HOT LAP AROUND LIME ROCK PARK (MONDAY)

This year during the HF40, Lime Rock Park is giving away five hot laps to five lucky winners through a raffle. Each raffle ticket is $10 and proceeds will benefit the Hole in the Wall Camp. 

Location: Purchase raffle tickets at the Info Booth on the Midway

When to Visit: The drawing will happen at 12:30pm on Monday

Editor’s Note: While raffle tickets will be sold all weekend, you must be present on Monday to claim your prize. The hot laps will take place during lunch on Monday.

 

15. PHOTO OP: LRP LETTERS (ALL WEEKEND)

8 foot tall LRP letters welcome guests as they enter The Park. 

Location: Outfield Parking Lot, just past the front entrance, in front of The Midway

When to Visit: Anytime There is no bad time to visit the LRP Letters. Special note for campers: Get up early and capture the letters at sunrise for a natural filter that can only be created by Mother Nature at Lime Rock Park.

Activities: Strike a pose. Bring all your friends and family for a keepsake photo. Post it on Instagram with the hashtag #LRP for your chance to be featured on Lime Rock Park’s Instagram Story.

Editor’s Note: If you attended the Memorial Day Classic and got a photo in front of the LRP Letters, make sure to stop by again for another one. The LRP Letters are now painted Lime Rock Park red for the ultimate pop of color against the lush green park-like setting.

 

16. CAR CORRALS (SATURDAY AND MONDAY)

While it does require an additional ticket to park and participate in the Car Corrals, fans do not need an extra pass to visit these built-in car shows during the event. More than 200 cars in five different corrals are registered between Saturday and Monday.

Location: All corrals will be located in one place- the skid pad

When to Visit: Mid-Afternoon (before or after lunch, but NOT during lunch) on Saturday and Monday

Corral Classes: Classic American, Corvette, British, German and Italian

Insider Tip: If you found the perfect spot on Spectator Hill and don’t want to move but still want to see all the cars from the Corrals, each car will be taking a parade lap during lunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

 

17. PADDOCK VISIT (ALL WEEKEND)

Lime Rock Park is unique in the fact that any ticket purchased, including General Admission, includes Paddock Passes. See crews working on the cars, drivers walking around and hear the roars of IMSA sports cars. 

Location: There are two paddocks at Lime Rock Park. A Paddock is behind the Lime Rock Tower, B Paddock is by the Downhill. Both will be filled with vintage and historic cars.

When to Visit: Anytime, but the mornings are always bustling with teams prepping the cars ahead of track sessions.

 

18. SHUTTLE RIDES (ALL WEEKEND)

OK, this might not be a traditional destination activity but deserves to be mentioned. If you’re not worried about your step count for the day, the free shuttles around the track helps fans expedite their Lime Rock experiences. It is also nice to use if it’s hot outside or if you have little ones. 

Location: The shuttles have several pick-up and drop-off locations around the track. You can catch a shuttle at the following stops:

• Midway Information Booth
• Paddock A (in front of Concession Stand)
• Guest Services
• Ticket Booth

When to Visit: Shuttles run from 8:30am-6pm on Friday and on from 8am-6pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Insider Tip: Save your feet and calves- take the shuttle to and from the Paddocks. You will avoid having to walk up and down the huge incline leading into the Paddocks. When it’s hot, the breeze going down the hill, hitting your face, is also very refreshing.

 

19. AFTER-HOURS TRACK WALK (ALL WEEKEND)

The after-hours track walk is perfect for the fans who don’t want to rush out the gates to beat the traffic. Once the track goes cold, and the racecars are cleared, Lime Rock Park opens the gates for spectators to walk (no bikes, golf carts or motor vehicles are allowed) the 1.5-mile circuit. 

Location: Enter and exit through Pit Lane

When to Visit: After the track goes cold for the day to dusk

Insider Tip: Take a selfie at the top of the downhill for the best view of the track in the background.

 

20. TAKE IN NATURE (ALL WEEKEND)

Lime Rock Park is nestled on 350 acres in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains which creates a park-like setting for the race track. Two bodies of water border the track: Salmon Creek and Buckley Pond. Fans are encouraged to bring their picnic baskets, blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the grassy hillside viewing. The windy roads through the New England countryside add to the adventure of attending a race at Lime Rock Park.

Location: Everywhere around the track

Insider Tip: Use the Pedestrian Bridge (entrance in Paddock A, southside of the Lime Rock Park Tower) to access the Outfield spectator viewing area. This area of the track tends to be cooler since there are several mature shade trees and the proximity to Salmon Creek. Salmon Creek is also accessible in this area.

 

*Most of the above events are included with any General Admission ticket (unless otherwise noted). The Historic Festival Parade does not require a ticket. Remember that all kids 12 and younger receive free admission to Lime Rock Park. Active military and veterans also receive free admission to all events at Lime Rock with a valid military ID.

 

For more information, the full race schedule. entry list and tickets visit: Historic Festival 40 – Lime Rock Park