Lime Rock Park is not like most tracks on the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series schedule. Its narrow turns and steep hills test drivers in ways fast ovals never could. As the 2025 LIUNA 150 nears, road racing skills will matter more than raw speed. Some drivers come prepared, others hope to keep up. A few names stand out already, but nothing is certain yet. This race could shape the season—or change it completely. Who handles the pressure when the track pushes back hardest?
Lime Rock Park: A Unique Chapter in NASCAR’s Road Racing Legacy
Lime Rock Park, nestled in the rolling hills of Lakeville, Connecticut, is one of America’s most storied road courses. Since opening in 1957, the 1.5-mile, seven-turn circuit has become synonymous with classic sports car battles, but in recent years, it has also carved a niche in the world of NASCAR. Unlike the vast majority of NASCAR tracks—typically ovals or tri-ovals—Lime Rock’s tight, technical layout and dramatic elevation changes demand an entirely different skill set from drivers.
The track’s rich history includes hosting SCCA, IMSA, and Trans-Am events, with legends like Paul Newman and Dan Gurney gracing its winners’ circle. For NASCAR, Lime Rock represents a refreshing challenge: strategy, braking, and car control take precedence over raw horsepower and drafting. The Craftsman Truck Series’ arrival at Lime Rock marked a new era, bringing the thunder of stock trucks to the scenic, tree-lined circuit.
The event quickly became a fan favorite for its unpredictability, frequent lead changes, and the spectacle of heavy trucks wrestling through the park’s narrow confines. Today, Lime Rock Park stands as a testament to NASCAR’s growing embrace of road racing variety, offering a thrilling contrast to the series’ traditional venues.
The LIUNA 150: A Modern NASCAR Truck Series Gem
The LIUNA 150, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series’ signature event at Lime Rock Park, is a relatively new but already beloved addition to the schedule. First contested in 2024, the 150-mile race brought NASCAR’s high-intensity, fender-banging action to the historic Connecticut road course, instantly capturing the imagination of fans and competitors alike. Unlike the series’ typical ovals, the LIUNA 150’s road course setting has produced some of the most unpredictable and dramatic races in recent memory.
The event’s format—demanding multiple pit stops, tire management, and precise driving—has leveled the playing field, allowing road course specialists and underdog teams to shine. The inaugural running saw a flurry of strategic gambles and late-race duels, with drivers forced to balance aggression with patience. The race quickly established a reputation for wild restarts, off-track excursions, and the ever-present threat of rain adding another variable to the mix.
2025 LIUNA 150 Predictions: Five Drivers to Watch
With the 2025 LIUNA 150 set to unfold at Lime Rock Park, attention turns to the current roster of NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series drivers. The unique demands of Lime Rock—tight corners, heavy braking, and rapid elevation changes—reward those with road racing prowess, tactical acumen, and the ability to stay cool under pressure. Here are five drivers who stand out as favorites for this year’s event, each with the credentials and momentum to contend for victory:
1. Corey Heim
Heim has emerged as one of the most versatile talents in the Truck Series, showing speed on both ovals and road courses. His smooth driving style and strategic mindset are ideally suited to Lime Rock’s technical layout. Heim’s recent performances on road courses—marked by consistent top-five finishes—make him a clear frontrunner. Expect him to be a factor from the opening lap, especially if the race comes down to a late restart or fuel strategy.
2. Christian Eckes
Eckes has built a reputation for capitalizing on chaotic races, and Lime Rock’s unpredictability plays to his strengths. He’s shown flashes of brilliance on road courses, combining aggression with calculated risk-taking. Eckes’ team has been strong in pit strategy, often gaining track position at critical moments. If he avoids trouble in the early laps, Eckes could be poised for a breakthrough win at Lime Rock.
3. Ben Rhodes
A former Truck Series champion, Rhodes boasts a wealth of experience and a knack for adapting to new challenges. His road course record is impressive, highlighted by a win at Daytona’s road circuit and multiple top finishes at other non-oval venues. Rhodes’ maturity and ability to manage tires over long runs could give him the edge as the race unfolds. Look for him to be a steady presence near the front, ready to pounce if others falter.
4. Ty Majeski
Majeski’s background in late models and road racing gives him a unique advantage at Lime Rock. He’s demonstrated quick adaptation to the Truck Series’ road course events, often running up front and leading laps. Majeski’s technical skill through Lime Rock’s twisty sections, combined with his aggressive overtaking ability, make him a dark horse threat for the win.
5. Zane Smith
Smith is known for his fearless driving and ability to excel under pressure. He’s a proven winner in the Truck Series and has delivered strong results on road courses, including a recent podium at Circuit of the Americas. Smith’s willingness to take risks—particularly in the closing laps—could be the difference-maker if the race comes down to a shootout. His team’s sharp pit calls and adaptability further boost his chances.
News in Brief: NASCAR Lime Rock Park Predictions
As the green flag waves on Saturday, fans can anticipate a race filled with drama, strategy, and spectacular racing. Lime Rock Park’s compact layout means traffic will be a constant challenge, and drivers must balance aggression with patience to avoid costly mistakes. Pit strategy will be crucial, with teams needing to time their stops perfectly to gain track position without sacrificing tire life.
Weather could also play a role, as summer storms in Connecticut are not uncommon and have impacted past events. A sudden downpour could turn the race on its head, favoring those with road racing backgrounds and quick reflexes. The battle for the win will likely come down to the final laps, with multiple contenders in the mix and the possibility of a late-race restart adding to the tension.
ALSO READ: Full Entry List for the 2025 LiUNA! 150 at Lime Rock Park
