Lime Rock Park, nestled in the scenic hills of Lakeville, Connecticut, is a legendary road course that has hosted sports car and endurance racing for decades. In 2025, it makes its debut on the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series schedule, marking a milestone for both the track and NASCAR. Fans should note that Lime Rock is a compact, technical road course, quite different from the ovals and superspeedways that dominate the Truck Series calendar. Its layout features elevation changes, tight corners, and a relatively short lap, making it a true test of driver skill and adaptability.
What’s New for NASCAR at Lime Rock?
For the first time, NASCAR’s national series will compete at Lime Rock Park. The event, named the LIUNA 150, is scheduled for Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on FOX, with radio coverage on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. This race is not just a Truck Series event; it’s also a weekend celebration of motorsports, with the ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR Classic stock cars sharing the bill, offering fans a full day of racing action.
Schedule and Event Highlights
The weekend kicks off with a Pit Stop Party and Hauler Parade on Thursday, June 26, at the White Hart Inn, where fans can get up close to the trucks and meet teams before the on-track action begins. On Friday, June 27, the Truck Series holds a 50-minute practice session at 1:05 p.m. ET, broadcast on FS2. Saturday, June 28, features Truck Series qualifying at 9:30 a.m. ET (FS1), followed by the main event at 1:00 p.m. ET on FOX.
The Race Format
The LIUNA 150 is a 150-mile race, which translates to 100 laps around Lime Rock’s 1.5-mile road course. The race is divided into three stages: 35, 70, and 100 laps, with stage breaks offering teams opportunities to adjust strategy and make pit stops. The purse for the event is $782,900, adding extra incentive for drivers to perform at their best.
What to Expect from the Truck Series at Lime Rock
The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is known for its competitive, action-packed racing, and Lime Rock’s tight, technical layout will amplify the excitement. Trucks are heavier and less agile than sports cars, so drivers will need to adapt their braking and cornering techniques to the circuit’s demands. Expect plenty of close racing, especially through the Sam Posey Straight and the challenging uphill and downhill sections.
The race will be the Truck Series’ first road course event of the 2025 season, and many drivers will be experiencing Lime Rock for the first time. This unfamiliarity could lead to unpredictable results and potential upsets, as road course specialists and newcomers alike jockey for position.
Key Drivers and Teams to Watch
The entry list for Lime Rock features a mix of Truck Series regulars and road course ringers. Corey Heim, the current points leader, has shown remarkable consistency this season, leading at least one lap in every race. Chandler Smith, with multiple wins in 2025, is another strong contender, especially as the series heads into the final stretch before the playoffs.
Road course experience will be crucial at Lime Rock. Notable entries include IMSA star Jordan Taylor, making his Truck Series debut in the No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet, and accomplished road racer Thomas Annunziata, who will drive the No. 07 Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports. Cam Waters, who has experience in both NASCAR and Australian Supercars, will pilot the No. 66 ThorSport Racing Ford.
Other drivers to watch include Ty Majeski, the defending Truck Series champion, and Tyler Ankrum, both of whom have shown speed on a variety of tracks this season. The entry list also features several rookies, such as Frankie Muniz and Dawson Sutton, who will be looking to make an impression on this unique stage.
Qualifying and Race Strategy
Qualifying for the LIUNA 150 is determined by a metric that combines previous race finish (70%) and current owner points (30%). Drivers will be split into two groups, each with 20 minutes to set their best lap time in a single-round session. Starting position is particularly important at Lime Rock, where passing can be difficult, especially in the early laps.
Race strategy will revolve around tire management, fuel economy, and pit stop timing. With no inner liners in the tires and a new Goodyear tire code being used for the first time at Lime Rock, teams will need to carefully monitor tire wear throughout the race. The stage breaks provide natural opportunities for pit stops, but teams may opt for alternative strategies to gain track position.
Fan Experience at Lime Rock
Lime Rock Park is renowned for its intimate, fan-friendly atmosphere. The track’s natural amphitheater layout offers excellent sightlines from almost any vantage point, and fans are encouraged to explore the grounds to find their favorite viewing spot. The Champions Club, overlooking the Sam Posey Straight, provides a premium hospitality experience with all-inclusive food, beverage, and panoramic views of the racing action.
For families, the Pit Stop Party and Hauler Parade on Thursday evening are must-attend events, offering a chance to see the trucks up close, meet drivers, and enjoy live entertainment. On race day, the infield and paddock areas are open to fans, allowing for close interaction with teams and drivers.
Travel and Accommodation Tips
Lime Rock Park is located in the scenic Litchfield Hills region of Connecticut, about two hours from both New York City and Boston. The area offers a wide range of lodging options, from charming bed-and-breakfasts to modern hotels, many of which are official partners of the track. Camping is also available on-site for those who want to immerse themselves in the full race weekend experience.
Parking at Lime Rock is plentiful and well-organized, with shuttle services available to help fans get around the facility. The track’s rural setting means that cell service can be spotty, so fans are encouraged to plan ahead and download maps or schedules before arriving.
What Makes This Race Special?
The LIUNA 150 at Lime Rock Park is a landmark event for both NASCAR and the track. For NASCAR, it represents a continued expansion into new markets and new types of racing venues, bringing the excitement of the Truck Series to a passionate Northeast fan base. For Lime Rock, it’s a chance to showcase its unique character to a national audience and introduce NASCAR fans to the joys of road course racing.
The race also marks the return of the ARCA Menards Series to Lime Rock, offering fans a doubleheader of stock car racing. The NASCAR Classic exhibition, featuring retired Cup cars in period-correct liveries, adds a nostalgic touch to the weekend, celebrating the history of NASCAR while looking ahead to its future.
Safety and Rules Updates
NASCAR has implemented specific safety protocols for the Lime Rock event, including inspection penalty procedures, pit road speed limits, and penalties for infractions on the tight, technical track. Teams will be closely monitored to ensure fair play and safe racing, especially given the unique challenges of Lime Rock’s layout.
News in Brief: NASCAR fan guide for Lime Rock weekend
As a NASCAR fan attending the LIUNA 150 at Lime Rock Park, you’re in for a unique and memorable experience. The combination of a historic road course, a competitive field of trucks, and a full weekend of racing action makes this one of the most anticipated events of the 2025 season. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to NASCAR, Lime Rock’s debut on the Truck Series calendar is an event not to be missed.
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