As Lime Rock Park’s autocross programs continue to grow, the historic Connecticut racing venue is investing in the infrastructure to better support its expanding community of drivers.
The Park celebrated another milestone in its ongoing partnership with Country Carpenters this week with the ribbon-cutting of the new Country Carpenters Welcome Barn at the FCP Euro Proving Grounds.
The new two-story post-and-beam structure replaces the former gazebo at the FCP Euro Proving Grounds, transforming the existing space into a permanent, climate-controlled multifunctional facility designed to support autocross operations throughout the year.
The Welcome Barn will serve as a hub for driver registration, timing and scoring operations and other event activities while the second-story dormer will offer elevated views of the autocross circuit and office space.
Take A Tour with WFSB 3 News of the New Country Carpenters Welcome Barn at the FCP Euro Proving Grounds
“One of the things that makes Lime Rock Park so special is the natural beauty of the property, and we are very intentional about preserving that character as we continue to improve our facilities,” said Lime Rock Park CEO and President Dicky Riegel. “Our partnership with Country Carpenters has allowed us to introduce buildings that are not only functional but also feel like they have always belonged here. The new Welcome Barn is another great example. By replacing the existing gazebo within a similar footprint, we’re creating a much more versatile space for our growing autocross community without compromising the surrounding landscape or valuable camping areas.”
The new facility arrives amid continued growth at the FCP Euro Proving Grounds, where Lime Rock Park has expanded opportunities for drivers of all experience levels through recreational autocross, introductory driving experiences and competitive programs.
The 2026 autocross season saw drivers make more than 1,1000 qualifying attempts for the fifth annual LIQUI MOLY Autocross Invitational Shootout, with just the top 30 drivers making the cut for the finale.
The competition produced a new course record of 40.566-seconds on the 0.68-mile Super Circuit, reflecting the increasingly competitive environment fostered by the program.
The project marks the second major addition to Lime Rock Park through its partnership with the Hebron, Connecticut-based Country Carpenters. In 2025, the company designed and constructed the Country Carpenters Beer Pavilion on Spectator Hill.
Like the Beer Pavilion, the new Welcome Barn reflects Country Carpenters’ commitment to traditional New England craftsmanship while incorporating features tailored to the needs of a modern motorsport facility.
Based on the company’s Baker Barn design, the building features traditional timber-frame construction, mortise-and-tenon joinery, pegged knee braces and substantial 8×10-inch posts. Handmade Z-brace doors complement the structure’s classic appearance, while the two-story configuration maximizes functionality within its compact footprint.
“There’s something special about seeing our traditional New England craftsmanship become part of a place with as much history and character as Lime Rock Park,” said Roger Barrett III, third-generation officer with Country Carpenters. “Following the success of the Beer Pavilion, we were excited to collaborate on another project that serves a completely different purpose. The Baker Barn design was a natural fit for the FCP Euro Proving Grounds, providing the functionality needed for year-round operations while maintaining the architectural character that makes this property so unique.”
For more information about Lime Rock Park’s autocross programs, visit limerock.com.