Record-Breaking Attendance at Lime Rock Park for LINUNA 150
Lakeville, CT – Lime Rock Park hosted the inaugural LINUNA 150, marking a pivotal moment in its history as the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series raced for the first time on the legendary road course. This event, which also included the ARCA Menards Series and the debut of the HSR NASCAR Classic, drew a record-setting crowd, surpassing even the previously highest attendance during the IMSA event earlier this year.
Under clear skies, thousands of fans flocked to the historic venue nestled in the Berkshire Mountains, turning the grounds into a vibrant hub of energy. “There’s no question about that,” remarked Lime Rock Park president and CEO Dicky Riegel, highlighting the sheer volume of attendees. “You couldn’t walk Spectator Hill. It was absolutely packed.”
The success of the weekend was not merely a stroke of luck but the result of extensive planning and collaboration with NASCAR, according to Riegel. “We created the facility they need to race here, welcomed them in as our partners, and it made a tremendous impact, not only economically here in the community but also reputationally. We’re thinking about the future,” he stated.
The partnership with LIUNA, the Laborers’ International Union of North America, infused additional excitement into the event. Riegel remarked, “LIUNA turned Lime Rock Park orange today. Their presence was pure joy.”
Crowds engaged with the experience beyond the races, with drivers participating in autograph sessions and the LIUNA interactive exhibits at The Midway featuring hands-on equipment simulators and family activities. The community vibe resonated through initiatives like the CBYD Kids Dig Zone and Camp Airstream at Hummel Hill, enhancing the fan experience.
As the event wrapped up, attendees left with a sense of having participated in a historic moment. Reflecting on the weekend, Riegel emphasized, “This is a community track, and the community showed up in every sense of the word. We’re proud, we’re grateful, and we’re just getting started.”
With the sun setting over the Berkshires and fans departing, the LIUNA 150 weekend signified not just a race but a robust promise for Lime Rock Park’s future.
