New Class of IMSA Contenders Set to Headline FCP Euro Northeast Grand Prix at Lime Rock Park

LAKEVILLE, CONN. (21 JUNE 2022)- Celebrating 50 years since the first IMSA event at Lime Rock Park, the series will race into the future next month with the debut appearance of GTD Pro as the high-speed Connecticut circuit stages the FCP Euro Northeast Grand Prix July 15-16.

New Class of Contenders for 2022

The FCP Euro Northeast Grand Prix will see a new class of contenders from IMSA this season.

With seven IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship races now in the books, the 2022 season has already set new marks for the level of competition in both GT classes. GTD and IMSA’s newest class, GTD Pro, will headline the FCP Euro Northeast Grand Prix on Saturday (July 16) with a 165-minute sprint race.

New for 2022, the GTD Pro class now features an all GT3-specification field with factory-supported teams and drivers doing battle along with the GTD class runners mixing it up for the overall race win.

Top manufacturers including BMW, Chevrolet, Porsche and others are fielding factory teams alongside a bevy of privateer entries for a full field that will put on a non-stop action show over Lime Rock’s 1.5-mile circuit.

What is the Michelin Pilot Challenge?

The IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge features an all-production-based field filled with racing versions of the supercars and sports cars of our dreams. Cars are classified in either the GS Class for GT4- based cars or the TCR Class for smaller sports sedans and hatchbacks. The race takes place over 135-minutes of action on Saturday, July 16.

Racing Format/Weekend Schedule

The FCP Euro Northeast Grand Prix race weekend will start on Friday (July 15) with each championship hosting a pair of one-hour practice sessions. The day will conclude with a 35-minute qualifying session for the Michelin Pilot Challenge and a quick 15-minute qualifying from the WeatherTech Championship runners.

Saturday (July 16) will feature a combined 5 hours of wheel-to-wheel competition, starting with the Michelin Pilot Challenge Lime Rock 120 followed by the FCP Euro Northeast Grand Prix.

To kick off race week, FCP Euro will also host its Sunday Motoring Meet on July 10. The event is part of the ongoing Sundays at The Park, and will feature Mercedes-Benz as the featured marque, although all makes and models are welcome.  More details can be found at events.fcpeuro.com.

Tickets

Fans are encouraged to reserve tickets and camping spots ahead of the weekend. Advanced general admission tickets start at $70, with full weekend passes, VIP Fan Hospitality Tent and Semi-Private Cabana upgrades available.

Veterans and Active Military receive free General Admission into all major racing events, including the FCP Euro Northeast Grand Prix with a valid military id. Youth 12 and under are also free.

Discounted advance tickets are available through July 8.

For more information visit:  Northeast Grand Prix – Lime Rock Park

Provisional Weekend Schedule (autograph sessions and track walks TBA):

Friday, July 15

7:00 AM ET: Gates Open

10:05-11:05 AM ET: Practice 1 – Michelin Pilot Challenge

11:25 AM-12:45 PM ET: Practice 1 – WeatherTech Championship

1:45-2:45 PM ET: Practice 2 – Michelin Pilot Challenge

3:05-4:20 PM ET: Practice 2 – WeatherTech Championship

4:45-5:20 PM ET Qualifying – Michelin Pilot Challenge

5:40-5:55 PM ET Qualifying – WeatherTech Championship

Saturday, July 16

7:00 Am ET: Gates Open

9:05-9:25 AM ET: Warm Up (WeatherTech Championship)

11:05 AM-1:05 PM ET Lime Rock Park 120 (Michelin Pilot Challenge)

3:10-5:50 PM ET: Northeast Grand Prix (WeatherTech Championship)