Lime Rock Park, in the rolling hills of northwest Connecticut, is one of America’s classic road racing circuits, hosting races since 1957. The track is about 1.5 miles long, set in a natural amphitheater where spectators picnic on grassy hillsides. It’s famous for an unusual rule — no racing on Sundays — and for its Historic Festival over Labor Day weekend, which brings vintage racing cars and a concours to the countryside. It’s roughly two hours from Manhattan.

At a glance
Opened 1957
Location Lakeville (Salisbury), Connecticut
Length About 1.5 miles
Famous for No Sunday racing; Historic Festival
Drive from Midtown About 2 hours

No racing on Sundays

A long-standing local agreement means cars don’t race on Sundays at Lime Rock — events are scheduled around it, and Sundays at big weekends feature car shows and parades instead.

The Historic Festival

Labor Day weekend’s Historic Festival combines vintage racing with a concours on the grass and a relaxed, country-fair atmosphere. It’s a favorite for families and collectors.

Racing heritage

Lime Rock has hosted sports car championships and famous drivers, including actor-racer Paul Newman, who competed there.

Visiting

The drive through the Taconic region and Litchfield Hills is beautiful, especially in fall. Read fall foliage drives near NYC and the Greenwich Concours.

Beyond the racing

Lime Rock’s calendar includes club racing, driving schools and track days where enthusiasts can drive their own cars on the circuit with instruction. The surrounding Litchfield Hills offer inns, farm-to-table restaurants and antique shops, making a race weekend easy to turn into a getaway.

Planning a visit

Check the event schedule, bring folding chairs for the hillside viewing areas and dress for changing weather. Summer and fall weekends are busiest. A chauffeured round trip from New York lets you enjoy the day without the long drive home.