Looking Forward: Time Trials National Tour at Palmer Motorsports Park
Looking Forward: Time Trials National Tour at Palmer Motorsports Park
After a very successful and incredibly enjoyable fourth annual Tire Rack SCCA Time Trials Nationals Powered by Hagerty at NCM Motorsports Park in Kentucky, the Tire Rack Time Trials National Tour Powered by Hagerty team is back in action July 2–4 with an event at Palmer Motorsports Park in the rolling and rocky hills of Central Massachusetts.
Playing at Palmer with SCCA
Opened in 2015 and nestled atop Whiskey Hill is the 2.3-mile, 14-turn Palmer road course that winds it way through green forests and exposed granite. The gorgeous circuit can be run in both directions, but counterclockwise will be the way to go when the Time Trials National Tour makes its first-ever visit to the venue located about 90 minutes west of Boston, or an hour’s drive north from Hartford, Connecticut.
With combined elevation changes amounting to more than 500 feet, Palmer is one heck of a rollercoaster. It’s like a thrilling drive along a mountain road, and you can even catch a glimpse of both Mt. Tom and Mt. Monadnock in the distance. But don’t focus on the scenery too much because this challenging track requires a lot of attention from drivers.
Unfamiliar with the layout at Palmer? Then spend a few minutes and check out the video below that gives some guidance on running the counterclockwise route.
A Unique Schedule for Event
The July 2–4 event will also share Palmer with Global Time Attack (GTA), which will be on track between Time Trials National Tour run groups. GTA is the ultimate track challenge where top drivers compete for fastest lap times in fully tuned, track-built, street-based cars. Think of GTA as a “pro” version of SCCA Time Trials, and when they’re at a circuit you’re guaranteed to see some sweet machinery producing sweet sounds that will echo off the hills and through the valleys.
Because of the shared track time with GTA, Time Trials National Tour TrackSprint sessions cannot be conducted at this event. However, that just means more Time Attacks! After two 15-minute practice sessions Saturday morning, participants will have two 20-minute Time Attack opportunities during the afternoon. Then on Sunday morning, drivers will have two more 20-minute Time Attack sessions, followed by two final 15-minute session in the afternoon to close out the weekend. A driver’s best lap time from Saturday afternoon, his or her best time from Sunday morning, and the fastest lap from Sunday afternoon will count towards scoring.
Join The Fun!
Want to join in the fun and celebrate Independence Day at Palmer Motorsports Park with a bunch of other fans of motorsport? If so, registration is still open, so sign up today!
Photo by Geoff Bolte/Clarus Studios
