If the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship weekend crowd at Lime Rock Park was any indication, the future is bright for sports car racing in the northeast.
As part of the track’s on-going ticketing campaign, children 16 and under were able to attend for free with a paid adult ticket, and there were plenty of families that took advantage of that opportunity to experience the access to teams and drivers that is a hallmark of IMSA WeatherTech Championship events.
“During the Northeast Grand Prix, Lime Rock Park saw an increase in attendance of families attending the event,” said Skip Barber, president of Lime Rock Park. “More than 2,000 kids, age 16 and under, came through our gates. This was an almost record-breaking amount for that weekend. All youth 16 and under receive free general admission, making Lime Rock a sensible option for families wanting to experience the excitement of an IMSA race.”
Throughout the weekend, the many smiling faces were noticeable all around the Lime Rock Park grounds. From watching the action in Big Bend on the hillside, snapping photos of their favorite 
cars along the fence line, to grabbing autographs from their favorite drivers in the WeatherTech Championship paddock, their energy was noticed by all involved with putting on the weekend.
“This year, we increased the family fun options by adding a 24-foot rock climbing wall to The Midway that was a big hit with kids and adults,” said Barber. “This added to our many other kid-friendly options such as fan walks on pit lane and in our open paddocks, autograph sessions, bounce house, face painting, racing simulator, family camping and more.”
The improvements to The Midway came even after the family travel blog MommyPoppins.complaced Lime Rock Park in the No. 8 spot on its list of “48 Summer Day Trips in Connecticut for Families,” further proving the Lime Rock team’s commitment to being an all-inclusive venue.
“These activities, matched with our park-like setting where kids can frolic along the grassy hillsides, create an ideal venue for kids of all ages,” said Barber. “We especially encourage youth and young adults to come during our major events and to be inspired by sports car racing as they are the future of motorsports and of Lime Rock Park.”
As the checkered flag fell on the Northeast Grand Prix and the fans began the trek back to their cars, one thing was clear, IMSA’s youngest generation of fans were well represented and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.