Ribbon Cutting, Inspiring Guests and a Tribute to America’s Heroes Round Out the Weekend Schedule at Lime Rock Park

LAKEVILLE, CT (21 MAY 2025) – When the Trans Am Memorial Day Classic returns to Lime Rock Park this weekend, it won’t just bring the thunder of American muscle. It will celebrate legacy, innovation and heart through a weekend full of racing that is sure to create countless special moments.

At the center of it all is Andy Lally, who returns to his home track in a new role as Grand Marshal and President of the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli. Lally, whose racing career began at Lime Rock 33 years ago, now comes full circle.

Lally first learned the ropes at Skip Barber Racing School at Lime Rock Park, then went on to win in Grand-Am, ALMS and IMSA at the historic circuit. The five-time Lime Rock winner, most recently stood on the Trans Am podium in 2021 and again last year during the SpeedTour All-Star Race. 

While he won’t be behind the wheel this time, the longtime competitor says he’s ready to lead from the front in his new role.

“I won that race last year, and when I come back to Lime Rock  this weekend, it will be as President of the Trans Am Series,” said Lally. “That’s quite a turnaround! Lime Rock is always a very special place for me to go back to. To return now as both the head of Trans Am and the Grand Marshal is like the culmination of a career.”

Ribbon Cutting: Country Carpenters Beer Pavilion Presented by Foolproof Brewing Company

Friday morning will feature the official ribbon cutting of the Country Carpenters Beer Pavilion presented by Foolproof Brewing Company, a brand-new fan amenity built at the entrance of Spectator Hill. The ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, May 23 and include remarks from Lime Rock Park CEO Dicky Riegel along with representatives from Country Carpenters and Foolproof Brewing Company.

The permanent pavilion blends classic New England barn-style construction with modern craft beer culture, offering a welcoming social space for race fans. 

Spotlight on Tomorrow’s Builders

Lime Rock will also welcome back the Winner’s Circle Project, an initiative that helps students gain real-world experience in design, welding and engineering. The group’s hand-built race cars wowed fans at last year’s Trans Am Memorial Day Classic and their new builds will be on display again this weekend, along with more that 250 students and parents who will share their work with attendees and guests.

A Weekend to Remember: Make-A-Wish Guest Elijah

Among the most special guests this year is Elijah, a 12-year-old from the Make-A-Wish Foundation who will attend the race with his family as a guest of CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Series driver Bob Accardo. Elijah was diagnosed with Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm (BPDCN), a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer that affects fewer than 1,000 people each year.

Despite his diagnosis, Elijah is known for his humor, energy and love for basketball and exotic cars. Thanks to a new partnership between Accardo and Jim Guthrie of Guthrie’s Garage, Make-A-Wish guests like Elijah will be invited to select races throughout the 2025 season

Full-Throttle Racing All Weekend

Now in its 42nd appearance at Lime Rock Park, the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli will deliver action across all four days. 

Friday will kick the weekend off with practice and qualifying. 

Saturday’s highlight is the 100-mile showdown featuring the CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Series, with Mustangs, Camaros and Challengers battling on the original 1.53-mile circuit.

On Memorial Day Monday, fans can experience the roar of the Trans Am TA class, joined by XGT, SGT and GT production-based classes. 

New to the schedule this year is the Lime Rock Classic, a multi-class sportscar group based on weight and power with entries ranging from vintage 1969 Porsche 911 Carrera RS to a 2020 GT4 Clubsport MR. The near 40-car inaugural field will split its four races between Saturday and Monday. 

The International GT series will also make its return to Lime Rock Park for the Trans Am Memorial Day Classic. The North American series that features The Stuttgart Cup, Mission Foods GT3 Cup Trophy and The Maranello Cup championships for late model Porsche and Ferrari competitors will host two 25-minute sprint races between Saturday and Monday, then close out the weekend with a 1.5-hour endurance race. 

Sunday features the Royals Garage Car Show benefiting The Little Guild animal shelter.

While Lime Rock Park offers free admission to every major event for active military, veterans and Gold Star families with military ID, The Park is extending free admission to four immediate family members who accompany those who’ve served.

For tickets, full schedule and event details, visit limerock.com/memorial-day-classic.