In the late 1990s, with uncertainty for NHMS and Lime Rock Park, and Thompson's road course (roval) sprouting weeds, the New England Region Sports Car Club of America (NER SCCA) formed a New Track Committee to create a "flagship track". Some years later, 500+ acres were secured for what would become Palmer Motorsports Park (PMP).
Site plans were then developed. On December 17, 2007, after professional review and public hearings, the Palmer Planning Board issued a special-use permit. A pro racer & developer took over and proposed a new circuit (shown here), a hotel, garage suites and a Barkow Leibinger building (Image1, Image2, summary), which the planning board approved on January 5, 2009.
After the 2008 financial crash, the project stalled. With a $5K monthly nut and a total spend of $250K, NER's Treasurer and board were poised to write it off. Then, a useful idiot appeared. By late 2013, with funds, land, and permits in hand, ground was broken by J. Read Corp (Groundbreaking Memo) and in May 2015 Whiskey Hill Raceway opened: a 2.3 mile circuit with 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 all epic stories, PMP has its heroes. First, NER SCCA's Dick Patullo, Rob Laverty and Bruce Allen, who: chaired the committee, drafted a swooping 2+ mile circuit, and Excel'd a rosy biz plan; SCCA and Palmer folks – Kathy Barnes, Bob Ring, Don Duffy, Mike Marciniec, Linda Leduc; Tim Pappas, for his eco-friendly plans; Glenn Conser & Bill Kephart for 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; HMS’ Joe Marko & TMS’ Will Turner for their $.02 advice; and lastly, to short-order cook, scribe, and 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 instructors, sponsors, club members and everyone who races on track or just hangs out in the paddock.