Corvette Racing Preps For First Lime Rock Outing Since 2013

Corvette Racing will make its first appearance since 2013 at the 1.5-mile Lime Rock Park circuit this weekend for the 2016 Northeast Grand Prix – the seventh round of the 2016 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

The Corvette camp enters the two-hour, 40-minute race with a seven point lead over Ford in the manufacturer’s standings and a five point lead over Chip Ganassi Racing in the team championship. Additionally, Corvette Racing’s Tommy Milner and Oliver Gavin currently lead Ford’s Ryan Briscoe and Richard Westbrook by five points in the driver’s standings.

Take into consideration those close championship standings and this weekend’s GTLM race is sure to be exciting. Compounding with the championship will be the demanding nature of the Lime Rock track, a characteristic brought on by tight confines and humid Connecticut weather.

“It’s always a challenge because the track is so physical; there are no breaks there,” Milner said. “Right in the middle of the summertime, that area around the track is gets really hot and humid. So physically it’s demanding, and it will be a big challenge in that regard.”

Gavin, who has three victories, two podiums and a pole position at Lime Rock, echoed his No. 4 Corvette C7.R co-driver’s statements on the track’s taxing character.

“It’s the shortest circuit and shortest lap we run every year, but it always has been a challenge physically and mentally with the heat and humidity this time of year.” said Gavin “Historically the grip level has been quite low there. You always feel you’re racing everyone all the time because it is so crowded. Physically it’s not that difficult but mentally it can really sap you.”

The 2016 Northeast Grand Prix from Lime Rock park will go green at 3:05 p.m. ET on Saturday, July 23rd. FOX will air live coverage of IMSA’s return to the track, while Chevrolet will provide onboard streams from the No. 4 and No. 3 Corvette C7.Rs through IMSA.com.