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Drift drivers show off their skills in front of spectators at Lime Rock Park on Saturday, Aug. 22.
Among the weekend’s most anticipated — and controversial — attractions was drifting.The exhibition gives teams and individual drivers an opportunity to entertain spectators by throwing their cars sideways around the track, producing clouds of tire smoke.
“The thing about Lime Rock is it has this energy and this kind of soul that exists in some capacity at other tracks, but it’s so unique here,” said Chris Stewart, GridLife founder and chief creative officer.
Stewart launched GridLife in 2014 alongside Adam Jabaay, who brought years of experience in road course and autocross racing. When the Circuit Legends concept first came together, Stewart said Lime Rock’s character and energy made it a natural fit for the festival.
“I remember the first year here and just the concept of Circuit Legends, and we built this event and the energy specifically around the feeling that we got from the track. It just melds so well,” he said.
Throughout the weekend, spectators also witnessed a wide range of competition, including TrackBattle, which challenges drivers to chase the fastest lap rather than compete wheel-to-wheel. Fans also watched a variety of tight, action-packed races like the GridLife Touring Cup, GridLife GT and the GridLife RUSH Series.
Driver Ben Carroll and his team after completing their race. Madi Long
The entertainment continued after the cars left the track. Friday night featured karaoke, arcade games and a preview of “Drifter,” an upcoming action film directed, co-written and co-produced by Sung Kang, who attended the event.
The return of drifting has raised concerns among some neighbors surrounding Lime Rock Park, particularly over noise and smoke from burning tires. Those concerns have put pressure on the park and GridLife to find a balance between hosting major motorsports events and maintaining a positive relationship with the surrounding community.
Lime Rock Park CEO Dicky Riegel and his team have taken steps to address those concerns. Signs around the property warned visitors: “NO Revving, NO 2-stepping, NO Speeding. You will be asked to leave. Please respect our neighbors.”
A heightened police presence was also in place throughout the weekend to help enforce those rules.
Spectators look on as cars drift around the track on Saturday Aug. 22.Madi Long
The park has also installed multiple air-quality sensors to monitor emissions and ensure conditions remain within regulatory limits.
For Riegel and the Lime Rock team, however, GridLife represents more than a single weekend of racing. It represents an opportunity to introduce a new generation to the track and help shape the future of motorsports.
Toyota added to that focus on the future by making its U.S. public debut of its track-focused GRMN Corolla at Lime Rock during the weekend.
GridLife prides itself on having “the youngest grid in racing,” and Riegel said that youthful energy was evident throughout the park.
Riegel said GridLife attracts a younger, more diverse fanbase that offers an important balance to the sport’s older audience, which maintains longstanding traditions.
“This organization brings youth, it brings vibrance, it brings diversity, it brings everything that you can see looking around the park,” Riegel said. “I’m proud that we can sustain the future of the park with youthful enthusiasm and welcome new people to our area.”
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