GLTC Race Update - Lime Rock Park 2024

The long-awaited event summary for the GLTC Circuit Legends Festival at Lime Rock Park is here. Held from August 16 - 18, the event celebrated automotive culture from the 1980s to the mid-2000s, featuring both on- and off-track activities. The Condor Speed Shop team faced the challenge of the technical and demanding Lime Rock Park layout, known for its tight corners and elevation changes. The track proved to be the perfect venue for the team to push their limits in the highly competitive GLTC series.

With neither Thomas Lathrop nor Carlos Mendez having raced at Lime Rock before, the team had two practice sessions to familiarize themselves with the layout. Both drivers approached the sessions with focus, determination, and caution, taking the opportunity to adjust their setups and gain track knowledge. Each session was a valuable learning experience, boosting their confidence for the races ahead.

In qualifying, the team faced a competitive 51-car field. Lathrop secured P30, showing strong effort despite the steep learning curve, while Mendez qualified in P20, demonstrating his adaptability and speed. While not at the front of the grid, both drivers gained valuable experience and were prepared to make progress during the races.

Race 1 was a solid start for the team. Mendez, starting from P20, steadily moved up to finish in P16, while Lathrop, starting from P45, fought hard and finished in P42. Although neither driver reached the top positions, both made significant progress and set the stage for the following races.

Race 2 saw Mendez start in P16 and finish in P12, but his result was overturned by a post-race disqualification due to wheel-to-wheel contact. Lathrop, starting in P42, struggled to maintain his position and finished P43. Despite the challenges, both drivers showed strong pace and continued to learn from each race.

Race 3 proved challenging, especially for Mendez, who had to start from P26 due to the disqualification. He made an impressive recovery, moving up six spots to finish in P20. Lathrop, starting from P43, finished one spot higher in P42. While the results weren’t ideal, the team’s resilience and focus remained strong as they prepared for the final race.

Race 4 was a tough day for Mendez, who had to start from the back due to a Gridlife error. He made an impressive early charge but was ultimately forced to retire with a flat tire, finishing in last place. On a more positive note, Lathrop delivered his best performance of the weekend, finishing P39 after starting in P42. His improvement throughout the race highlighted his growing confidence and skill.

Despite the setbacks, the weekend at Lime Rock Park was a valuable learning experience for both Mendez and Lathrop. Mendez showed his ability to move up the field but faced challenges with a disqualification and flat tire. Lathrop, meanwhile, showed growth with his best finish of the weekend in Race 4. The team gained critical track experience and is focused on building momentum for the future. Looking ahead, they are eager to take on the challenges of Pitt Race and continue striving for better results.