Lime Rock celebrates 50 years

Fifty years ago the rumble of engines first resonated through the hills of Lime Rock Park for an audience of 6,600 that included famed television journalist Walter Cronkite. Lime Rock Park has since felt the tires of countless cars navigating its paved curves, acting as host to today's revered racing legends.

From Roger Penske—who put his name in the track's record book as a driver twice before coming back as a team owner in the American Le Mans Series—to Paul Newman, who continues to astonish with a Lime Rock Park victory in the rain at the ripe young age of 70, the list of legends is as long as it is impressive.

To celebrate the 50th year of road racing at the track, the staff at Lime Rock Park has planned a list of tributes to extend the entire season. As an homage to those who were part of making Lime Rock Park so successful throughout the years, spectators will find a tent erected on the Midway dedicated to 50 Years of Speed at Lime Rock Park, which will be featured at the upcoming American Le Mans Northeast Grand Prix.

Capello and McNish celebrate the final victory for the Audi R8 at last year's race at Lime Rock Park. To capture the last five decades on canvas, Lime Rock Park has invited local artist Pieter Lefferts to create the Official Commemorative Painting celebrating the park's 50th anniversary. The oil painting will feature the track and cars beloved to racing fans set in the rolling landscape of Lime Rock Park. The painting will be auctioned off at the end of the Lime Rock Park's season with all proceeds going to benefit Survive The Drive, the non-profit driver education program established by driving instructor Bob Green in 1997.

Round Six of the American Le Mans Series is scheduled for July 7 at Lime Rock Park. This race marks the first time the Audi R10 TDI has run the 1.53-mile course after the Audi R8 won its final race at Lime Rock Park last year. Among the festivities planned for the upcoming American Le Mans Northeast Grand Prix is a wedding to take place on the front straight during pre-race ceremonies. This is the first marriage ceremony to take place at Lime Rock Park since legendary driver John Paul Sr. wed on May 26, 1980.

The American Le Mans Northeast Grand Prix is set for 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, July 7 at Lime Rock Park. CBS Sports will televise the race at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 8. American Le Mans Radio will have live coverage at americanlemans.com, which also will feature IMSA Live Timing & Scoring. For more information on the 50 years of Lime Rock Park, visit limerock.com.