In the late 1990s, with uncertainty about NHMS (nee NHIS) + Lime Rock Park (and Thompson's road course sprouting weeds) the New England Region Sports Car Club of America (NER SCCA) formed a New Track Committee to secure a "flagship track". Some years later, land was found for what would be: Palmer Motorsports Park (PMP).
Site plans were then created. After professional review and public hearings, the Palmer Planning Board issued a special-use permit on December 17, 2007. A pro racer & developer took over and submitted plans for a new circuit (shown here), a hotel, garage suites and a Barkow Leibinger building (Image1, 2, summary), which was approved on January 5, 2009.
After the 2008 housing crash, the developer bailed. With carrying costs of $5-6K per month, by 2011 the NER board was poised to write off the project. Then a useful idiot appeared. Two years later, with cash, land, and permits in hand, ground was broken by J. Read Corp(News Release) and in May 2015, Whiskey Hill Raceway opened: a 2.3 mile circuit with 500+ feet of elevation and vistas into New Hampshire, Connecticut, Vermont and New York. Road & Track magazine named PMP one of North America's top 10 race tracks to drive.
Like most epic endeavors, PMP has its champions and heroes. First, NER SCCA's Dick Patullo, Rob Laverty and Bruce Allen, who: chaired the project, designed a swooping 2+ mile circuit, and Excel'd a biz plan extraordinaire; SCCA and Palmer folks – Kathy Barnes, Bob Ring, Don Duffy, Mike Marciniec, Linda Leduc; Tim Pappas, for his eco-prescient plans; and Glenn Conser & Bill Kephart for their Rocky Mountain High Plains support. Credit literally goes to Don Anderson of Hampden Bank; Greg Read & Dan Moeller of JRead Corp for their sweat equity; to HMS’ Joe Marko & TMS’ Will Turner for their $.02 advice; and lastly, to short-order cook & scribe & former club racer, "Fast Fred."
History continues to be made by: Christopher Tier, Al Sandy, JC, Kaleigh, Kevin, Matt, Mark, Nick, Jack, Stan & staff who scrub floors, wack weeds, wave flags, pump gas, guard the gates, post the pics & keep the lights on; and by our sponsors and club members and everyone who races on track or just hangs out in the paddock.