Each summer season for the previous 6 to 7 years, I’ve tuned into endurance racing occasions on TV or on-line just like the 24 hours of Le Mans, Nurburgring, and Spa, and have all the time been fascinated by the aggressive nature of the World Endurance Championship collection, and likewise the preparation that goes on behind the scenes to make these occasions doable. Rising up within the US, NASCAR was my solely outlet as a younger automobile fanatic, however as I bought older I discovered a greater type of racing, because of enjoying Gran Turismo, with extra technical tracks and circuit racing throughout the globe and I used to be immediately drawn in. The digital camera work, the sounds that had been being picked up on the mics, and even getting a small glimpse of the paddock and pit row from the on monitor reporters created a psychological image that I needed to expertise in particular person.
In January of 2020 I made it a purpose to attend a race at Lime Rock, however sadly these plans had been altered. With nothing to do on weekends because of the shortage of automobile occasions, I began watching GT4, TCR, and Grand Sport extra intently. I bought a greater understanding of the groups, drivers, and began following the standings way over I had earlier than. When 2021 started and life was returning to regular, I knew that after doing nothing for a complete yr, that this was the time to make the journey and attend my first ever race.
Main as much as Saturday, climate wasn’t wanting too promising however as we bought inside 24 hours of the beginning of the Lime Rock 120 it appeared as if the thunderstorms would maintain off lengthy sufficient to a minimum of watch the primary race in it’s entirety. The final word purpose was to simply have half-hour to listen to the Porsche 911 RSR scream across the monitor, and we had been rewarded with nearly an hour and half-hour of the Northeast Grand Prix earlier than the crimson flag was waved. Whereas the race was reduce brief, I bought hooked instantly and I’m certain everybody round me has gotten uninterested in listening to the countless raving about this weekend.
What made this occasion so particular?
The sights, the sounds, and even the smells had been nothing like I’ve ever skilled earlier than. In the event you’ve been to air exhibits, you in all probability know the sensation, however to be inside mere toes of those automobiles as they raced across the monitor made Saturday unimaginable. Even higher, IMSA simply could be some of the fan pleasant organizations in all of sports activities, as earlier than the race you’ll be able to stroll down pit row with out having to pay an additional price, you’ll be able to stand up near the automobiles, and possibly even meet your favourite drivers. Everyone seems to be pleasant and well mannered, and to an extent it appears like one large Vehicles & Espresso, with the exception that you simply get to look at the automobiles in movement and never need to cope with police giving out tickets for loud exhausts or have neighbors complaining.
From a spectator’s perceptive, Lime Rock gives some nice areas to get superior pictures or movies or just simply phenomenal views. Turns 1, 2, and three appears to be the favored spot, however for those who make your strategy to No-Title Straight the sound that bounces off the hills because the the GTLM and GTD automobiles cross by, then downshift as they strategy Flip 5 after which speed up out of the nook is a backbone tingling sensation. It was 90 levels and humid, however I nonetheless managed to get chills every lap. The realm I couldn’t get sufficient of what Turns 6 and seven, but in addition the right away that dips down beneath Bailey Bridge because the they enter the ultimate nook. Right here you’ll be able to expertise the race on each facet of the monitor, offering nice views but in addition as soon as once more good areas for images and movies.
How in regards to the racing?
Each the Lime Rock 120 and Northeast Grand Prix exceeded expectations, however in several methods. The primary race had each the Grand Sport and TCR lessons, providing combine, but in addition because of a subject of 30+ automobiles it was a bit extra aggressive than GTLM and GTD. No matter class, there’s a wide range of producers and completely different engines which is why even on a fundamental stage of sound is healthier than the V8 crammed subject of NASCAR. Within the GS class you will have a stable steadiness between the BMW M4 and Toyota Supra’s inline 6, the Porsche Cayman’s Flat 6, the Chevy Camaro, McLaren 570S, Aston Martin Vantage, and Mercedes Benz GT being powered by V8’s, and the Audi R8’s V10. Whereas the TCR class is all powered by 4 cylinders, collectively these two lessons create alternatives of seeing passes in corners and nearer racing, however the quantity of entries per race performed an element as properly. The Lime Rock 120 additionally has a number of extra cautions which bunched up the sphere on quite a few events and with that introduced some nice racing.
Regarding the closing laps, I’d advocate retuning to the primary corners or shut sufficient the place you’ll be able to hear the announcers for those who aren’t listening to IMSA radio to get an concept of what’s occurring elsewhere on the monitor. Whereas I used to be standing close to Bailey Bridge and overlooking flip 7, I noticed the top however wasn’t absolutely conscious that in TCR the hole between 1st and 2nd as they crossed the end line was 0.134.
Then for the principle occasion, the Northeast Grand Prix, “speechless” can be the phrase to explain watching all 16 automobiles cross by. For such a small subject, the sound was amplified in comparison with the prior race which was nonetheless fairly loud. The 2 Corvette C8.R’s dominated all the race, each carving out a large lead over their solely competitor, the Porsche 911 RSR and within the course of lapping the GTD automobiles on quite a few events. Extra vital than the automobiles themselves had been the drivers collaborating, corresponding to Jordan Taylor, Nick Tandy, Mathieu Jaminet, and Laurens Vanthoor all of which shall be competing in both the 24 hours at Spa or Le Mans so that you’re watching World Class drivers execute strikes on the monitor and race which is fairly superior.
It was this race the place I discovered a spot to simply sit down and luxuriate in because the skies started to darken, and fairly than spending all my time filming I wished to soak in each second of this unimaginable expertise. I couldn’t take my eyes off the Porsche 911 RSR because the roar of the exhaust would simply shake you to your core, and there have been a number of occasions the place I assumed I’d lose my listening to (carry ear plugs for those who attend these races). However identical to with the Grand Sport Class, there was number of engines and exhaust notes producing a pleasant automotive melody as they handed by.
Sadly after nearly an hour an a half in, lighting struck and that was the top of the festivities. I bought to expertise sufficient the place the three hour drive was completely value it, whereas not spending sufficient time appreciating this race the place I really feel like the following journey is touring to Watkins Glen subsequent yr earlier than returning to Lime Rock.
I’m addicted having witnessed all of this in particular person, and I extremely advocate going for those who or a member of the family has been speaking abut attending for some time. It’s an expertise like no different, and when you go to at least one race you’ll end up wanting extra.
Thanks IMSA, Lime Rock, and all of the groups and drivers for an incredible Saturday! Wanting ahead to doing this once more subsequent yr See you in 2022!
