<VV> Musing on Lime Rock

[Robert Marlow, Vairtec Corporation]

What follows is my opinion, bolstered by the facts that I cite.

The 35th annual "Lime Rock" weekend is coming up in two weeks, on 
Sunday (the car show) and Monday (the track event), August 26 and 27.

It will be the last one.

(It will?)

Well, no, not officially.  But it is my considered opinion that you 
can take it to the bank, this will be the last Lime Rock.

(Why?)

Several reasons.  But money is the big one.

The ever-increasing popularity of Lime Rock Park has priced it out of 
reach.  In 1974, the fee to rent the track for a day was $500.  This 
year, the NECC's budget for the event exceeds $16,000.  The 
per-driver entry fee this year is $295, which is necessary if the 
NECC is to have a prayer of covering expenses and yet is a 
disincentive to the casual participant.

Worse yet, as demand for dates at Lime Rock park has increased from 
wheel-heeled manufacturers and similarly well-heeled car owners, Lime 
Rock has announced a new program which will further reduce the 
opportunities for a smaller, less-wealthy demographic such as Corvair 
owners:  "The Club at Lime Rock."  Membership in this new exclusive 
"club" is $100,000 per individual.  (Yes, 100-thousand 
smackers.)  For your 100 k-bucks you get access to several exclusive 
and semi-exclusive track days per year.  Clubs such as the NECC have 
been asked to give up some track time to accommodate members of "The 
Club."  Translation:  In 2008 we'll get less than a full day's use of 
the track -- if we get a date at all -- but still pay a full day's rate.

The truth is, it's over.  It has been a great 35 years at a truly 
beautiful race track in a truly beautiful part of the country.  Maybe 
next year, the die-hard Corvair track enthusiasts will be able to get 
together with a group of water-pumper owners and land a date to run 
the track, but the traditional Corvair weekend is done for.  The NECC 
is already exploring options for a thoroughly different type of 
Corvair performance weekend at a new venue beginning in 2008.  But as 
for Lime Rock, this is, I'm convinced, Your Last Chance.

Fortunately, a good event is planned.  Sunday's car show is going to 
take place on the lawn at the Wake Robin Inn, a gorgeous old 
place.  (see http://www.wakerobininn.com/ )  The car show will be 
followed by a barbeque supper, under a tent on the lawn, adjacent to 
the cars.  If you're staying over for the track event, "Corvair Club" 
room rates at the Wake Robin Inn begin at $116 for Sunday night (an 
absolute steal in that area).  The track event takes place Monday on 
the world-famous Lime Rock Park Road course ( 
http://www.limerock.com/ ), and if you've never been there, let along 
driven the track, this is the year to do it.

Because I'm convinced that it will never happen again.

--Bob