Track Night Takes a Walk at Lime Rock
Last Thursday, May 26, SCCA Track Night in America Driven by Tire Rack held its first TrackPass event at Lime Rock Park during the Pirelli World Challenge® (PWC) event. The VIP experience for automotive enthusiasts and racing fans presented the chance to mingle with pro drivers and teams, watch all the action of a professional race weekend and have on-course Track Night in America sessions at the venue.
One of the day’s highlights was the course walk held Thursday morning. The nearly 60 participants were divided into three groups, with each group led by a PWC competitor. Bryan Heitkotter, Alec Udell and Sloan Urry were the pro drivers who spent 90 minutes hiking the 7-turn, 1.53-mile circuit pointing out to Track Night attendees some little tips to get around Lime Rock quick.
After the course walk, Track Night participants then hit the track for four 20-minute sessions over the next five hours. Overall, that’s more track time than the length of a PWC race event! And adding to the atmosphere was pro Shea Holbrook who used her actual race car to lead the Novice group’s opening pace laps.
Each Track Night in America event includes leisurely circuit parade laps provided for anyone at the track. At Lime Rock Park, this turned out to be a hugely popular portion of the program as many spectators arriving for the multi-day race took the opportunity to traverse the course in their everyday cars, many of which were still filled with camping gear for the weekend!
Jeff Andrews, one of the lucky people who enrolled in TrackPass, said the experience was absolutely incredible and really enhanced his appreciation for the rest of the weekend’s racing.
“I was dying to get out on Lime Rock myself. That’s the reason I signed up for TrackPass,” Andrews said after the exciting weekend. “I can’t tell you how many laps of Lime Rock I’ve driven in the virtual world over the years, probably in the thousands. While the video games prepared me for the layout, braking points, turn-in points and apexes, what they can never prepare you for are the G-forces and the elevation changes and how the car reacts to them. Coming under the bridge through the Downhill the first time and feeling the car compress at the bottom of the hill, giving me extra grip for turn-in, was euphoric. I’ll never forget that moment.”
To wrap up TrackPass festivities, guests next had a guided 90-minute tour of the paddock from PWC drivers. Holbrook believes the whole SCCA TrackPass event got enthusiasts on track and gave them an in-depth look into the behind-the-scenes workings of pro race teams.
“Having the opportunity to be involved in all activities throughout the weekend reinforced the importance of interacting and supporting race fans as we all share the passion motorsport brings,” Holbrook said. “The paddock tours were just as much a highlight for me as I hope they were for TrackPass participants, their families and other race fans.”
SCCA Track Night in America Driven by Tire Rack is a non-competitive, entertaining, easy and inexpensive way for nearly anyone who loves cars or motorsports to get on a racecourse in their own vehicle during weeknights. All that is required is that participants be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license and have access to a helmet and street car in good working condition. The cost is never greater than $150 per event, and no previous on-track experience or Sports Car Club of America membership is required.
Drivers participate in the Advanced, Intermediate or KONI Novice Experience group so on-track activities remain fun for all. Everyone gets three 20-minute sessions on course, as well as feedback from SCCA driver coaches on site. Admission is free for people who just want to stop by and watch the fun, and leisurely circuit parade laps are provided for all Track Night guests.
For more information about SCCA Track Night in America Driven by Tire Rack, visit www.TrackNightinAmerica.com.
Photo: Track Night attendees walk Lime Rock Park during the recent TrackPass event.
Credit: Tom O’Gorman
