Jordan Taylor Friday’s Fastest as Annunziata takes ARCA pole

LAKEVILLE, CONN. (27 JUNE 2025)- With the roar of engines and thousands of fans lining the hillsides, the LIUNA 150 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series made a historic debut at Lime Rock Park on Friday, marking A new chapter in the 68-year history of the Connecticut facility, as well as years of strategic planning, investment and hard work.

The road to hosting a NASCAR national series has been long, but Lime Rock Park leadership has embraced the opportunity as part of the continued development of the track for the future

“I think our perspective is a much longer-term one,” said Dicky Riegel, President and CEO of Lime Rock Park. “Yes, it’s been a ton of hard work in the last days, weeks and months, but in reality, it’s the entire Lime Rock Park team that has persevered and made this happen over the last three years since we first started conversations with NASCAR about ultimately creating the opportunity to bring the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series here.”

Purposeful Investment

To prepare for the event, Lime Rock Park underwent major infrastructure upgrades, much of it driven by NASCAR’s safety and operational standards.

“We literally have hundreds of thousands of dollars invested in improvements here at The Park,” said Riegel. “Yes, some were specific to NASCAR—like extending our pit lane to accommodate 36 Craftsman Trucks at 28 feet per pit box. That’s 1,008 feet. Before, we had 840, so we needed to extend it, and we’ve done so.”

That pit lane extension required a new entry configuration and a brand-new pit wall.

“Every driver that has experienced it this year has liked it,” Riegel noted.

Other improvements included significant safety upgrades, new fencing and Armco, thousands of additional tires formed into protective tire packs and enhancements that elevate safety not just for NASCAR, but for every track day and racing series that visits Lime Rock Park.

“We’ve created a new level of safety that works for everyone who is here, be it nascar or our track day customers,” Riegel said. “We’re really proud of that investment.”

Fans Flock to Friday

Opening day drew an enthusiastic crowd that packed the hillside and explored an expanded Midway marketplace. Families enjoyed hands-on displays, live entertainment and an all-new Call Before You Dig Kids Zone that Riegel called essential to The Park’s future.

“Wow, what a first day it has been,” Riegel said. “We’ve worked with so many new partners to create what I think is the best Midway in the industry. I don’t think there’s a better fan experience anywhere than what we’ve built here at Lime Rock Park.

“And having spoken to a lot of our patrons today, they’re really enjoying it,” he added. “Seeing all the families with young children—the new Kid Zone is just amazing. Lime Rock Park is 68 years old, and we need new families and younger people to experience it for the first time. We’ve had an amazing turnout today, and we can’t wait for Saturday.”

Racing 

Jordan Taylor was fastest in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series practice on Friday, with a 54.093-second flyer in the No. 7 Gainbridge Chevrolet. Taylor’s alter-ego and Jeff Gordan’s biggest fan Rodney Sandstorm also made an appearance filling in for Taylor during interviews with Fox color commentator Mike Joy and IMSA President John Doonan.

Thomas Annunziata, who was on podium just a month ago at Lime Rock Park with the Trans Am Series,  (No. 70 Nitro Motorsports Toyota) earned his first career General Tire Pole Award in qualifying for Saturday’s ARCA Menards Series Lime Rock Park 100. Annunziata, who will make his fourth career series start Saturday, turned a lap of 54.193 seconds/98.182 mph around the 1.53-mile, seven-turn layout at Lime Rock Park.

The HSR NASCAR Classic racing series also made its long-awaited Lime Rock Park debut on Friday. Dedicated to period-correct retired stock cars from NASCAR Cup, Xfinity, Truck, and ARCA competition, the series brings history to life with standout entries including Joe Nemechek’s 2007 No. 47 Chevrolet Silverado, Ryan Gemmell’s 2009 Toyota Camry, and 78-year-old Buz McCall’s freshly restored 1998 No. 96 Caterpillar Chevrolet Monte Carlo. McCall’s return adds a fan-favorite storyline to a packed doubleheader schedule.

Plan Your Visit

Tickets are still available online and at the gate.  Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance to avoid long wait times in ticket lines.

Veterans, active duty military and children under 12 receive free general admission (military must present valid identification, and not available for presale). VIP upgrade packages offering enhanced viewing and hospitality are still available.

Lime Rock Park will offer limited free parking. Additional paid parking options with shuttle services will also be available starting at $20. For parking maps and road closures visit: https://limerock.com/events/nascar/

Event Schedule:
Saturday, June 28: NASCAR CLASSIC 11:00 a.m., NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series 1:00 p.m., ARCA Menards Series 4:00 p.m
Gates open at 7:00 a.m.