My senses are saturated in a mellifluous symphony of V8’s, V10’s, V12’s and all assortment of other engine configurations. I can feel the reverberation in my chest when they pass. Followed by their respective livery and sponsors cover up the factory lines on a wide range of autos.

Follow through after a hard braking.
Follow through after a hard braking.

This is sportscar racing. This is the Tudor United Sportscar Championship and the Continental Tire Sportscar Challenge. I know it’s a mouthful but wow have I missed this type of racing.

It has been many years since I last came to Limerock to watch a Sportscar event. That being a ALMS race. Between having health issues and then my first child, time is a commodity that I have come to appreciate even more and have had an even harder time trying to come by.

But, as the saying goes, “It’s like riding a bike”.  As soon as I enter the infield of the track, see the trailers and all the flags waving in the air, I know I’m in for a pleasant visit.

You see, Limerock is rather unique. Its 1.5 mile track is nestled into the little mountain town of Lakeville, CT. It may not be a huge track but what it lacks in size it makes up for in character. It has a good amount of turns and straight sections and best of all, elevation change. To me, that is what separates a good track from a great track. Also, Limerock allows spectator viewing from the infield as well as the outfield on the main straight. It has open paddocks, included in your admission ticket. The layout is great and they have spent a lot of time and money further improving the viewing area and wifi coverage. (Much appreciated)

Viper Exchange and their Viper SRT GT3-R going through the valley
Viper Exchange and their Viper SRT GT3-R going through the valley

What I love most about sportscar racing is you have a car that you can buy at your local dealer, only here, it is found in full race trim. No homogenized tubular chassis, with the same engine, same everything, with the only difference being the driver and team nonsense here (minus the Prototypes).

You have front engine, rear drive versus mid engine, rear drive. Or front wheel drive. Or 4 cylinder vs V6 or flat 6 or the big American V8’s versus the European V8. or V10’s and V12..You get the picture. There are a lot more variables and all with cars YOU as the spectator could buy. It is relatable and the diehard brand loyalists are fun to watch. It also promotes some good competition and innovation for future cars.

Aero's R8 turn one, under the bridge
Aero’s R8 turn one, under the bridge

The sight of them ripping down course jockeying for position, seeing who will brake last. Or the crackle of the V12 off throttle into a turn vs the seemingly endless redline of a flat 6 accompanied by the various smells of race fuel. Being able to preview the new Ford Mustang GT350R in full race trim was a pleasure. That flat plane crank V8 has a wild sound.  All this tied together with something as simple as a Mazda Miata or Honda Civic, all the way up through the ranks to Ferrari or Aston Martin. There is something for literally every car fan.

Mutlimatic's Ford Mustang GT350RC one of two
Mutlimatic’s Ford Mustang GT350RC one of two
Mantella Z28.r chasing down the front.
Mantella Z28.r chasing down the front.

One of the most memorable sights was Stevenson Motorsports and their Chevy Camaro Z28.R coming up over a crest on the back section with Rum Bum Racings’ Porsche 911 right behind him. Upon cresting the rise the Z28.R would get a little light in the rear causing the ass to come out sideways. Sometimes WAY out. Holy sh*t can this guy drive! Not only did he maintain his lead but he did this several more times each lap.  A lesser driver would of wound up in the wall.  Sadly I was unable to get this shot. I know, I suck. I’m sorry.

Stevenson Motorsport and one of their Camaro Z28.R
Stevenson Motorsport and one of their Camaro Z28.R

We are truly living in a new ‘Golden Age’ of motorsport. Something equivalent if not better than the late 60’s and early 70’s. For that I am truly thankful. I never thought I would see this level of competition and vast array of cars on such a wide scale in my lifetime. From rally, GRC, F1, Indycar, to this and many, many others. Pick your poison.

Sadly, it seems only a matter of time before the hammer comes down and puts a stop to this all. The cars keep getting quicker as technology continues to press on at an alarming rate. It’s only a matter of time before Emissions or Safety play a part in this new Golden Age’s demise. Or at the very least reform. With that in mind, we still have some time, so get out there and see it with your own eyes! Trust me, while watching it on a screen is good, being there in person is unrivaled.

To see who won what in which class, check here: http://www.imsa.com/series/united-sportscar

Check out below for more photos

Viper Exchange and their Viper SRT GT3-R
Viper Exchange and their Viper SRT GT3-R
Viper Exchange and their Viper SRT GT3-R
Viper Exchange and their Viper SRT GT3-R
Viper Exchange and their Viper SRT GT3-R
Viper Exchange and their Viper SRT GT3-R
Viper Exchange and their Viper SRT GT3-R
Viper Exchange and their Viper SRT GT3-R
Mantella Autosport Camaro Z28.R
Mantella Autosport Camaro Z28.R
Turner Motorsport's winning BMW Z4
Turner Motorsport’s winning BMW Z4
Turner Motorsport's winning BMW Z4
Turner Motorsport’s winning BMW Z4
Next level selfie's with the Turner Motorsport Grid Girls
Next level selfie’s with the Turner Motorsport Grid Girls
Turner Motorsport's winning BMW Z4 making a prototype work to get past him.
Turner Motorsport’s winning BMW Z4 making a prototype work to get past him.
Mantella Autosport Camaro Z28.R
Mantella Autosport Camaro Z28.R
Mantella Autosport Camaro Z28.R. Got to love that Gulf livery
Mantella Autosport Camaro Z28.R. Got to love that Gulf livery
It was nice to see this Aston Martin V8 Vantage on course.
It was nice to see this Aston Martin V8 Vantage on course.
Stevenson Motorsport and one of their Camaro Z28.R
Stevenson Motorsport and one of their Camaro Z28.R
Stevenson Motorsport and one of their Camaro Z28.R
Stevenson Motorsport and one of their Camaro Z28.R
Stevenson Motorsport and one of their Camaro Z28.R
Stevenson Motorsport and one of their Camaro Z28.R
Close up of the Z28 rear
Close up of the Z28 rear
Testing out some wet weather tires during practice.
Testing out some wet weather tires during practice.
Scuderia Corsa and their F458 Italia
Scuderia Corsa and their F458 Italia
Scuderia Corsa and their F458 Italia
Scuderia Corsa and their F458 Italia
Viper and Prototype battling for best line.
Viper and Prototype battling for best line.
Follow through after a hard braking.
Follow through after a hard braking.
Prototype winner PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports
Prototype winner PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports
JDC/Miller Motorsports lead for most of the race until an unfortunate event retired him and his car from the race.
JDC/Miller Motorsports lead for most of the race until an unfortunate event retired him and his car from the race.
RSR Racing's Prototype through turn three
RSR Racing’s Prototype through turn three
Prototype winner PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports turn one.
Prototype winner PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports turn one.
Starworks Motorsport and their Martini livery Prototype
Starworks Motorsport and their Martini livery Prototype
The pack tightens up as they enter turn three
The pack tightens up as they enter turn three
Rum Bum Racing's Porsche 911
Rum Bum Racing’s Porsche 911
Paul Miller Racing's Audi R8 LMS
Paul Miller Racing’s Audi R8 LMS
Park Place Motorsports Porsche 911 GT America
Park Place Motorsports Porsche 911 GT America
Alex Job Racing and their other Porsche 911 GT America
Alex Job Racing and their other Porsche 911 GT America
Team Seattle/Alex Job Racing's Porsche 911 GT America
Team Seattle/Alex Job Racing’s Porsche 911 GT America
Paul Miller Racing's Audi R8 LMS lead most of the race before being taken  out by another competitor, ending what was looking like a promising victory.
Paul Miller Racing’s Audi R8 LMS lead most of the race before being taken out by another competitor, ending what was looking like a promising victory.
Paul Miller Racing's Audi R8 LMS
Paul Miller Racing’s Audi R8 LMS
A pair of R8's flanked by a 911
A pair of R8’s flanked by a 911
Paul Miller Racing's Audi R8 LMS
Paul Miller Racing’s Audi R8 LMS
Doran Racing and their Nissan 370Z's
Doran Racing and their Nissan 370Z’s
Doran Racing's 370Z chasing down Racers Edge Motorsport and their Boss 302R
Doran Racing’s 370Z chasing down Racers Edge Motorsport and their Boss 302R

race day Audi R8-2

Paul Miller Racing's Audi R8 LMS
Paul Miller Racing’s Audi R8 LMS
Mutlimatic's #15 Ford Mustang GT350RC
Mutlimatic’s #15 Ford Mustang GT350RC
Mutlimatic's #15 Ford Mustang GT350RC won it's division of the IMSA  Continental Tire Sportscar Challenge. Missing rear bumper and all.
Mutlimatic’s #15 Ford Mustang GT350RC won it’s division of the IMSA Continental Tire Sportscar Challenge. Missing rear bumper and all.
Mutlimatic's #15 Ford Mustang GT350RC won it's division of the IMSA  Continental Tire Sportscar Challenge. Missing rear bumper and all.
Mutlimatic’s #15 Ford Mustang GT350RC won it’s division of the IMSA Continental Tire Sportscar Challenge. Missing rear bumper and all.
Mutlimatic's Ford Mustang GT350RC one of two
Mutlimatic’s Ford Mustang GT350RC one of two

Continental tire winner

Paul Miller Racing's Audi R8 LMS
Paul Miller Racing’s Audi R8 LMS
Paul Miller Racing's Audi R8 LMS
Paul Miller Racing’s Audi R8 LMS
Paul Miller Racing's Audi R8 LMS
Paul Miller Racing’s Audi R8 LMS
007 Aston Martin
007 Aston Martin
007 Aston Martin
007 Aston Martin
Mantella Z28.r chasing down the front.
Mantella Z28.r chasing down the front.
007 Aston Martin
007 Aston Martin
The Z28R and the new GT350RC
The Z28R and the new GT350RC
Mantella Autosport's Z28.R
Mantella Autosport’s Z28.R
On to the front straight
On to the front straight
Through the valley
Through the valley
Aero's neon R8 wasn't hard to spot on track.
Aero’s neon R8 wasn’t hard to spot on track.
Follow the leader or get out of the way?
Follow the leader or get out of the way?
Aero R8 thru turn two
Aero R8 thru turn two
Audi R8 cockpit
Audi R8 cockpit
Turner Grid Girls..nice car too
Turner Grid Girls..nice car too
My future repacement
My future repacement
A little booger build up on the front tires.
A little booger build up on the front tires.
My hotel room for the night as all the hotels were booked within a 50 mile radius. It was actually quite comfortable. I had a power inverter to charge my equipment and a beautiful setting next to a river.
My hotel room for the night as all the hotels were booked within a 50 mile radius. It was actually quite comfortable. I had a power inverter to charge my equipment and a beautiful setting next to a river.
My father inspecting my mobile office/bed for the night.
My father inspecting my mobile office/bed for the night.
Three wheeling' it. sometimes even two.
Three wheeling’ it. sometimes even two.
Crowds assembled as the ST cars were put on display prior to start of race
Crowds assembled as the ST cars were put on display prior to start of race
Crowds assembled as the ST cars were put on display prior to start of race
Crowds assembled as the ST cars were put on display prior to start of race
First Lap, first crash
First Lap, first crash