The Norwalk Hour

Lime Rock raceway sold to group

- By Michael Hamad

Longtime owner and racing school legend Skip Barber announced a new ownership structure for Lime Rock Park racetrack in Lakeville, according to a news release.

Barber, 84, has owned Lime Rock Park for 37 years. He’ll remain a “significan­t owner” in Lime Rock Group, LLC and will continue to be a part of its management committee.

“The Group’s General Partners, Charles Mallory, Dicky Riegel and Bill Rueckert along with a group of private investors have assumed control of Lime Rock Park and are bringing outstandin­g new vision and vitality to Lime Rock’s operations and to our local and regional community,” Barber said. “They are the ideal stewards of the Park’s long and successful legacy. This is truly wonderful news for everyone involved with Lime Rock as we commence our 65th year of operations.”

Riegel, the former President & CEO of Airstream, Inc. and COO of

Thor Industries, Inc., will serve as Lime Rock Park’s new CEO.

“Lime Rock has been one of my favorite places and my home track for over 40 years; the same is true for my partners, Charles and Bill, both of whom consider Lime Rock a home away from home,” Riegel said. “All of us have deep roots in Connecticu­t and look forward to being active in

the community and working collaborat­ively with the Town. To now be owners of this iconic and storied brand is a dream come true.”

In 2020, Lime Rock Park postponed or canceled many of its events due to the coronaviru­s pandemic.

But the venue appears to be ready for action in 2021; its Trans Am Memorial Day Classic — a major spectator event for the racetrack — is currently scheduled for May 28-31, and there’s a full lineup of other events on the venue’s website.

Lime Rock Group’s investors include “seasoned motorsport­s luminaries and automotive entities that will immediatel­y drive new activity for the Park, including manufactur­er and sponsor relationsh­ips,” according to the release.

“Most importantl­y, all of the Group’s investors are passionate motorsport­s enthusiast­s intent on burnishing Lime Rock’s traditions and reputation while also evolving to meet modern demands.”

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