Hi,
This year was my first visit to the Race portion of the Fall BMW Festival. I
must say that when the cars first started lapping the track (during a
"reinactment of the first race at Lime Rock) I was pretty un-impressed. I
mean I wanted to see some RACING.
Well, I was pleasantly surprised by the next group of cars, basically G and H
production cars in "original" trim (e.g. the Lotus 7's had wire wheels.) The
Lotus 7's were very fast, and I thought for sure that they would blow off the
closest competitors. But a little mishap with one of the front running Lotus
7's and an Alfa really made things interesting.
The Lotus was entering the Esses when the car shod it's left rear tire and
wheel. The resultant spin left the Lotus lying in mid track right in the path
of an Alfa. After the contact, both cars came to halt just before the entrance
to the No-name straight. The Lotus's front left suspension was broken in the
contact with the Alfa. It looked like both cars were fixable, the drivers
appeared un-hurt. The race continued with a Lotus 7 in the lead until the
driver of that Lotus bobbled coming out the Esses and did a complete 360. No
contact, but I guess he stalled the car...this allowed a really nice Alfa
roadster ('59 I think) to win the race.
The next group of racers were very fast indeed. About 5 or six XK120's (both
DHC and FHC variety) were successful in blowing away the Healeys and assorted
other cars (including a couple of really LOUD minis.)
The rest of the races were also great fun. I did not get any particulars on the
Lotus 11 mixup, I hope there were no injuries. That particular race was
red-flagged due to blockage on the track. Could someone post some details of
that incident?
British-car notes on the event:
At the car corral / swap meet highlights:
For sale:
Lotus 11 with a Coventry Climax engine. Need paint (was in oxidize
aluminium trim with GRINDER marks!), asking $85,000. Jag E-Type Series I ('64)
I think red roadster. Needed many details fixed in the interior to be 90-100
point, asking $45,000. 59 Bug-Eye Sprite, fully race prepped with current SCCA
logbook (owner moving up a class or two), $6500.
Driving Notes:
>From Sprinfield MA to Lime Rock, there is a really neat road to drive on. It
is MA route 57...very twisty and quint villages along the way. Also, in CT to
the west of Lime Rock Park is Route 41...very pretty sceninc route with
stately homes and fields etc. Both routes are good driving / scenic routes
in the area.
Lime Rock is a lot of fun, the other couple that we drove down with are already
planning for next year. I quote my friend's wife: "The race was fun, we should
go next year!"
Maybe we can check out Watkins Glen Too!
rml
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