In the late 1990s, fear of NHMS' and Lime Rock's future led New England Region Sports Car Club of America NER SCCA to establish NER Investments LLC. In 2004, a 500+ acre site was found and the Palmer Motorsports Park (PMP) saga began.
With a P&S in hand, NER drafted a site plan and, after professional review and public hearings, on December 17 2007, the Palmer Planning Board issued NER a special-use permit. A pro racer & developer took over and drafted a new plan (shown here), car suites, hotel, and a Barkow Leibinger designed building (Image1, Image2, summary), which was formally approved January 5, 2009.
But the 2008 recession interrupted things and by 2011, with a $5K monthly nut and $250K deficit, NER’s treasurer and board were set to bail. Then, a useful idiot appeared.
With funds, land, and chutzpah, ground was finally broken (Groundbreaking Memo) and on May 8 2015, PMP opened Whiskey Hill Raceway: a 2+ mile road course with vistas into Connecticut, New York, New Hampshire and Vermont. Road & Track magazine named PMP one of the top 10 race tracks to drive in North America.
Like all sagas, PMP has its heroes. First, NER's Dick Patullo, Rob Laverty & Bruce Allen, who: lead the project, plotted a flowing 2+ mile circuit, and Excel'd a rosy biz plan; SCCA and Palmer folks – Kathy Barnes, Bob Ring, Don Duffy; Tim Pappas for his eco-centric plans; Glenn Conser & Bill Kephart for their Rocky Mountain High Plains euphoria. Kudos go to Hampden Bank's Don Anderson for credit; J. Read Corp's Greg Read & Dan Moeller for site work; HMS’ Joe Marko, TMS’ Will Turner & Kenny Payson for $.02 advice; J. Fryer Esq. for moto vita verve; and lastly, to short-order cook and Mr magoo mensch "Fast Fred."
History continues to be made by: Christopher Tier, Al Sandy, JC, Kaleigh, Kevin, Matt, Mark, Nick, Jack, Stan & staff who blow the marbles, wack the weeds, wave the flags, pump the gas, post pics, mop floors, guard the gates and and keep the lights on; and by the many instructors, sponsors, members and fans who race or chill by the track.