Lime Rock Park Celebrating Memorial Day
Our annual Memorial Day weekend at Lime Rock Park was gloomy, rainy and cold for several days but come Monday, the skies were blue, the temps in the high 60s and racing was great.
The Connecticut National Guard presented colors as we honored those lost in military service this Memorial Day. Our heartfelt thanks goes to all of those who have served and are serving our country!
Before we get to Monday, let’s revisit Saturday. We held two sprint races, the first in dry conditions with a tight battle at the front. We welcomed Trans Am regular, ERICH JOINER #10 in his GoodBoyBob Coffee Porsche. Erich could not be at the track for qualifying so started in the rear of the field but worked his way to the front and took the overall and GT4.R wins.
Second to Joiner was Connecticut local RUSSELL FARHANG #412, Hairy Dog Grrrage. Russell being used to the unpredictable Connecticut weather went out for the second sprint race in wet conditions and took the overall win. Russell wasn’t able to join us on Monday but we look forward to seeing him again soon in IGT competition.
Rounding out the Mission Foods GT3 Cup GT4.R category was MICHAL STACH #1 who had a busy weekend also taking part in the Lime Rock Classic competition (a series of sprint races on the weekend with a variety of race cars). Michal was third in IGT sprint race 1 and captured the win in sprint race 3. Michal brought his crew chief and adorable daughter SCARLETT, out on Monday and she joined him on the podium.
The master of the Lime Rock Park circuit, STEVE KATZ #113, On Track Insurance, had a great weekend, until he didn’t. Katz swept the GT3.6 category winning all four races and was racy even with the faster cars. Unfortunately some gremlins struck in the enduro and Steve pulled off early.
The real tragedy for us is that in preparation for Lime Rock Park hosting a Craftsman Truck race later this summer, the track was required to fence off the area where we have gotten such fantastic photography in the past of the launch off the downhill!
EPS Sport (European Performance Specialists) from Watertown, CT brought two cars to International GT competition. In #573 was JOHN KOSTER with one of the most colorful liveries we’ve seen. The beautiful GT4.0 Porsche which timing and scoring dubbed the “rainbow” car was fast with Koster taking the overall win in Monday’s enduro and receiving his award from none-other than Lime Rock Park president Dicky Riegel.
Teammater to Koster was DWAYNE MOSES #64 who was unable to return for Monday’s races however he had a fantastic race on Saturday winning the GT4.0 category for EPS Sport.
CHARLIE CRAIG #76, SpeedSport Tuning in his gorgeous red, white and blue Cayman returned to International GT competition at Lime Rock Park with the perfect livery to celebrate Memorial Day. We’re used to seeing Charlie in a Cup car however he is now learning the nuances of the Clubsport.
With the change of our race date (originally scheduled in mid-summer) TORSTEN GROSS #19, Hairy Dog Grrrage had previous plans for a trip to Japan with his lovely wife, Maggie leaving on Sunday. However, Torsten was able to be at Lime Rock Park on Friday and Saturday. A Lime Rock Park local – Torsten lives just a couple miles from the circuit and arrived with a new Cayman Clubsport 3.8 liter Porsche with his iconic JUST HANDS MOTORSPORTS livery. Torsten stepped up from his 3.4 liter car and showed his mastery of the Lime Rock track winning his category on Saturday.
Our thanks go to our sister company, TRANS AM for inviting International GT to race in their Monday showcase event. The crowds turned out in droves for a jam-packed pre-race grid walk. One of the unique sites at Lime Rock Park is the grassy hillside with a terrific view of all the racing action and it was packed with fans all weekend. For those who were not at the track in person we hope you were able to tune into SpeedSport1 to watch the race live. You can see a replay on SpeedTourTV by clicking on the photos below.
Lime Rock Park is one of the most picturesque circuit we visit all year. Below are some of the famed sites from around the track.
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course June 19-22
We return to Mid Ohio Sports Car Course June 19-22! This highly technical circuit is one to circle on your calendar. For registration click on the Stuttgart Cup entry.
Email or call Julie with any questions: Julie@ParellaMotorsports.com or (770)380-7770
Official Series Photographer Chris Green
Chris Green is the official photographer for International GT. Chris is at all IGT races and does a fantastic job of covering our events. We encourage all competitors to reach out to him to see his beautiful images of your race car after every event. Or you can get with Chris and go over your photography needs prior to the events. Click on the photo to link to his website.
Marketplace
FOR SALE: Fresh off its International GT debut and follow up race at Sonoma and Laguna Seca, this beautiful Ferrari 458 is for sale. Click on either photo for complete details on the car which is owned by Yousuf Nabi.
This space is available for International GT participants to market any race cars, equipment and/or transporters you are trying to sell. Contact Julie@ParellaMotorsports.com to post a listing. Please send photos and details for item(s) you are selling.
Pirelli Tire Orders
We are proud to partner with Pirelli Tires as the exclusive provider to all International GT events. All Pirelli tire orders for IGT events must be placed with Frisby Tires. Frisby is at track at all IGT events to service our participants.
Click on the tire photo to link to the Frisby site for IGT orders or call (800)373-7390.