World Challenge group joins Lime Rock Park Historic Festival 42 roster

For its 42nd edition, Lime Rock Park’s Historic Festival (Aug. 30-Sept. 2) will expand to include an all-new class — the Turn of the Century World Challenge.

The Turn of the Century World Challenge group will showcase production-based street stock race cars from the 1995-2005 era prepared for SCCA World Challenge. Vehicles from Motorola Cup and various other period-appropriate national and international categories will also be considered, including Escort Endurance, Playboy Series, IMSA Firehawk and other showroom stock-based competitions.

The inclusion of World Challenge adds a more contemporary dynamic to Historic Festival 42, offering spectators a unique blend of classic charm and contemporary competition, while providing competitors a reunion opportunity for both cars and drivers of a golden era of big grids and great racing at Connecticut’s Lime Rock Park.

“The huge fan response that events like GRIDLIFE and MiataCon have generated shows there is a real nostalgia and emotion connected to some of these cars from the more recent past,” said Historic Festival Committee Chair Skip Barber. “This new class reflects that, and I think it should prove very popular for fans and participants alike. Lime Rock Park has a storied history with World Challenge and we are excited to reintroduce this era of racing to our fans.”

The SCCA street stock series stepped up in 1990 to become World Challenge, moving from the club to pro racing ranks. In the period between 1995-2005 the big stories were the number of teams who began and built their business in World Challenge that continue to win races today, including Turner Motorsports, RealTime Racing, Bimmerworld and Blackdog Motorsports.