While we experienced some of the hottest weather at this year’s Northeast Grand Prix, the real heat was on the Porsche GT team as it looked to defend its lead in the Weathertech Series manufacturers’ and drivers’ championship. Porscheplatz attendees were treated to GT Class sports car racing at its best.
Porscheplatz participants were welcomed to Lime Rock by CVR volunteers
Saturday’s qualifying round view from the Porscheplatz provided a glimpse of the afternoon’s sprint race. Laurens Vanthoor in the No. 912 set a new GTLM pole qualifying time record of 49.133 seconds for the GTLM class. Nick Tandy put the No. 911 sister car in position two for the afternoon race.
As we looked toward the afternoon’s race, the Michelin Man visited the Porscheplatz and cheered on our members as they enjoyed a Lime Rock parade lap.
NE Grand Prix at LRP Parade Lap – July 2019
As the clock moved closer to the start of the race, Michelin offered a tour of their tire service operation in Paddock A. PCA members participating in the tour were given an overview of the facility and the support processes Michelin has in place for the teams along with the 2200 tires they brought to Lime Rock.
The highlight of the pre-race Porscheplatz agenda was a visit by the drivers of Porsche Team 911 RSR No. 912 Earl Bamber and No. 911 Patrick Pilet. Earl spoke about the challenge facing the team coming into Lime Rock with 5 consecutive wins. Patrick addressed PCA members’ questions, including a schedule which saw two 24-hour races in June. The 24-hour of Spa race in Belgium the weekend following Lime Rock necessitated that Patrick depart for France after the race.
Earl Bamber and Patrick Pilet, prior to departing from the Porscheplatz, were presented with a gift from the club by CVR’s Joe Kunecki.
Joe also presented Lynn Friedman, Porscheplatz/PCA Corral Chair, with a gift for her support and ensuring that PCA members had an enjoyable race experience.
With the afternoon air temperatures reaching 98 degrees and track temperatures 130 degrees, the PCA members witnessed fierce fights with several lead changes between Porsche and Ford GTLM teams. Ford gambled with a three pit stop strategy which in the closing minutes of the race gave the Ford #67 the tires to win the fight with Earl Bamber in the #912 RSR.
NE Grand Prix at LRP July 2019 #2
This year’s Northeast Grand Prix brought success for the PFAFF Motorsports No. 9 as it won in the GTD class.
As the sun set on Lime Rock Park on July 20th, it also marked the last race for the Ford GTLM Team, Corvette Racing’s Corvette C7.R and the current Porsche 911 RSR at Lime Rock. While Corvette Racing and Porsche will be back next July with new GTLM cars, Ford is shutting down their Weathertech GTLMS race program at the end of this year.
NE Grand Prix at LRP July 2019 #3
