Trans Am TA2 sets record for youngest professional racing podium in Lime Rock History

LAKEVILLE, Conn. (24 May 2025) — Saturday at Lime Rock Park was a mix of horsepower and heart for the second day of the Trans Am Memorial Day Classic.

Rain swept across the hills of northwest Connecticut for most of the afternoon, soaking the hillside and sending fans under cover. But just before pre-race ceremonies began, the clouds pulled back, and a break of sunlight spilled over The Park like it was cued purposefully for one final invocation from Reverend Heidi Truax.

Rev. Truax stood at the front of the grid for the last time, delivering her trademark thoughtful blessing with calm and conviction. After 17 years of presenting the race day invocations, Traux is retiring but admittingly said she would return for the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race next month (June 27-28) as a fan. 

During the ceremony, Truax was surprised with a lifetime pass to The Park and a commemorative trophy honoring her nearly two decades of service. It was a simple moment, but one that carried deep weight for the reverend. For so many fans, teams and staff, her voice has been a familiar and grounding presence before the chaos of competition.

“Rev. Heidi Truax is a perfect example for all of us at Lime Rock Park,” said Lime Rock Park President Dicky Riegel. “She is always blessing The Park, blessing our people and blessing the competitors with a smile for 17 years. It’s incredible to think that we may not be hearing Heidi’s invocations in the future, but hopefully with the lifetime credential she was awarded today, we will see her again as a spectator.”

As priest at Trinity Lime Rock Church just beyond The Park’s entrance, Truax has supported Lime Rock Park and its staff throughout her tenure. She even used to hop the fence into the track, where her path in ministry intertwined with her passion for motorsport, creating a role that felt as natural as the sound of church bells echoing through The Park grounds. 

“Because I was hired to be the priest at Trinity Lime Rock Church I was called by the track to do an invocation,” said Rev. Truax. “I was invited over for one race and that grew into a season of races and then it grew into many seasons of races. Doing the invocations has always been the highlights of my summer. I love the cars, the drivers, the fans and the excitement. Being in a small country church and having the honor to do this is just big and exciting. It’s been a great thrill for me.”

The afternoon also delivered its own kind of history on the track. The Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli Cube 3 Architecture TA2 Series race featured the youngest professional podium in Lime Rock Park’s history, with the top three drivers averaging just 16.6 years old, ushering in a new generation of competitors.

It was a battle against the elements and each other as the TA2 Series drivers faced fierce competition under both blue skies and pouring rain during 100 miles of racing. Making the switch to rain tires and fighting changing conditions, the race came down to a nail-biting duel between teammates, polesitter Thomas Annunziata,19, and rookie Sam Corry, 17. With just two laps remaining, Corry pulled out to the lead and took the checkered flag in his first ever Pro victory with Trans Am. 

TA2 provisional points leader, 14-year-old Tristan McKee completed the podium in third. 

“I just want to thank the Nitro Motorsports crew; Mark, Bird, Petey, you guys are the best,” said Corry. “Mark came on the radio and said, ‘Let’s come down for wets,’ and that’s what we did. We were one of the first ones into the pit and they did a flawless pit stop and got me back out there. We were leading the race for a little bit, Thomas (Annunziata) got back by me, and then rain came down again. It was a good race to the finish, so I just want to thank these guys.”

The race cars will stay parked on Sunday and the Royals Garage Car Show benefiting The Little Guild animal shelter will roll in. Gates open to spectators at 10 a.m.

On Memorial Day Monday, fans can experience the roar of the Trans Am TA class, joined by IGT, 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 compete in two races on Monday. 

For tickets, event information, results and to watch the full race stream replay visit https://limerock.com/events/memorial-day-classic/