Randy Hale III wins Trans Am XGT in his # 31 Corvette at Lime Rock Park

Racing on Memorial Day at Lime Rock is a tradition since the track opened in 1957.

It was a great day for Randy Hale III, # 31 from Old Saybrook CT setting a new track record of 56.933 sec in winning the XGT class, even though he ran unopposed.

This C6, from prolific constructor Lou Gigliotti, was extensively modified by Ted Marsh for the Whelen team to compete in the Rolex Grand Am Sports Car Series.   The chassis was acquired direct from Bowling Green w/o VIN number, lightened & strengthened.  Hutter LS3 Racing Engine max HP permitted per Grand Am rules.  EMCO 6 speed sequential transmission, Daytona Prototype differential.  Brembo brakes, BBS 3-piece 18” wheels.

One of its more notable wins was delivered by Whelen regular driver Eric Curran sharing with Corvette legend John Heinricy at Road America in 2012.

Amy Ruman # 23, from Stow OH made a great start but faded two spots to finish fourth in TA, 2 laps behind overall winner Chris Dyson # 20 Mustang.

 At the halfway mark, Ruman and Dyson are favorites to capture third and first in the standings when the 2022 season ends at CoTA.  

Jason Berkely from nearby Falls Village dropped out after 41 laps and was classified second in GTS.

 Smaller fields indicate a decline of these 850 hp TA cars compared with TA2 cars built on a modern spec chassis clothed in traditional Trans Am Camaro, Mustang and MoPar bodies that offer a whole lot more bang for the buck.

Thomas Merrill, # 26 Mustang topped 32 other Trans Am TA2 cars on Saturday.  His crew stuck with rain tires throughout while others changed to slicks in a 68-lap race that began and ended in a downpour with cars sliding off everywhere.

 Photos thanks to Chris Clark, Tim Kemmis, John Bates

 Mid-Ohio & Road America come next