Five Non-Racing Things to do at the Memorial Day Classic
Lime Rock Park is set to kick off its 67th season this weekend with the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli, but if the thunder of 850+ horsepower isn’t enough for you, we have five MUST DO non-racing activities to do while you’re here, most of which are FREE with a General Admission ticket.
1. SIGN SKIP’S GIANT GREETING CARD
When: Friday-Monday
Where: Year of Skip Booth on the Midway
Fast Fact: The “card” stands 8×8 foot tall and was crafted by LRP’s own Derek Byxbee, Facility Manager.
About: 2024 is the Year of Skip Barber and Lime Rock Park is honoring Skip and his contributions to the motorsport community with several events throughout the year. While we know Skip has left his mark on the business and competition side of racing, he’s also had a major impact on the fans. This is your chance to leave your favorite memory of Skip or just a special message for him. This card will be up all season and at the end of the year we will present the card to Skip!
Insider Tip: Skip’s LRP edition M3 will also be on display at the booth so be sure to snap a pic.
2. FAN WALKS
When: Saturday (TA2 12:35-1pm) , Monday (TA 12:40-1:05pm)
Where: Pit Lane
About: The Fan Walks at Lime Rock Park give attendees the chance to get an up-close look at their favorite Trans Am cars, drivers and teams. This is open to all ticket holders. The full field of Trans Am drivers and cars will be available for photos and autographs.
Items to Bring: Sharpie and Camera. Pick up an event-exclusive poster from the Lime Rock Gear souvenir shop or the annual Trans Am Poster at the TA Transporter for drivers to autograph, creating the ultimate Trans Am Memorial Day Classic event souvenir.
Insider Tip: This activity is the most popular non-racing event of the weekend so visit the driver and car you want to see first. The cars will be staged by qualifying order, making it easy to locate your favorite teams and drivers.
3. SKIP’S MARCH 701 – CARTAINER
When: Friday-Monday
Where: Point of Paddock A
Fast Fact: This car was built for Formula 1 but raced in Formula 5000 – Skip still made it to the front of the pack in it!
About: Displayed in a climate-controlled, clear Cartainer, fans will be able to get a 360 degree view of Skip Barber’s 1970 March 701 F1 Car that he drove in Formula 5000 in 1971.
Insider Tip: If you’re camping at the track, the container will be lit up at night, so come down and get a unique perspective under the moonlight.
4. SKIP BARBER TOWER DEDICATION
When: Saturday during prerace ceremonies (around 12:50pm)
Where: Pit Lane
Fast Fact: Skip started his racing career at Lime Rock Park 65 years ago!
About: As part of Lime Rock Park’s “Year of Skip Barber” festivities, racing legend Skip Barber will see his name carry even more significance in the sport as the track will dedicate the Timing & Scoring Tower in his name, ensuring that his legacy is immortalized in both action and monument at Lime Rock Park. Skip will deliver a special message following the dedication.
5. CT CRAFT BEER GP & ROYALS GARAGE CAR SHOW
When: Sunday (Beer GP noon-5pm, Royals Car Show 9-3pm)
Where: Outfield and Front Straight
Fast Fact: Fans who arrive early to the Beer GP will receive a free commemorative sample glass while supplies last! Designated drivers and kids are free.
About: Nearly 20 local breweries will come together at Lime Rock Park on Sunday to compete in the Connecticut Craft Beer Grand Prix presented by Great Falls Brewing Co., all vying for the Best Craft Beer in Connecticut. Curated by Great Falls Brewing Co. and Lime Rock Park to support the popular Trans Am Memorial Day Classic weekend, this ultimate craft beer experience allows fans to discover the best brews in the state and meet the talented brewers behind them all while also benefiting Miles for Smiles for Hadley, a non-profit that raises funds to support local families with children who have Down Syndrome and other medical conditions.
In conjunction with the CT Craft Beer Grand Prix, Lime Rock Park and Royals’ Garage are teaming up to put on a beautiful car show. For the 15th consecutive year, Royals’ Garage will wrap the track with amazing cars all to benefit charity, rain or shine, on Sunday (May 26) from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Car Show tickets are separate from the Craft Beer GP as the proceeds go to charity.
Tickets: https://limerock.torkhub.com/event/transam/tickets
For more information about the full weekend of Trans Am Memorial Day Classic activities, visit https://limerock.com/events/memorial-day-classic/