arely have I seen weather so wonderful than at this year’s VSCCA Sprint Sprints! Even more incredible was the view of over twenty Alfa Romeo Giuliettas and Giulias lined up on the false grid before they went out on a parade lap celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Giulietta (see the photo above). For those who don’t know, the Lime Rock Spring Sprints are hosted by the VSCCA, and this year Susan Dixon and Keith Goring of Alfas Unlimited in Norfolk, Connecticut invited everyone to Lime Rock for an Alfa celebration. The result was one of the best vintage events I have ever attended.

Needless to say, the weather for the April 9-10 weekend was incredible—a first in my short history of attending the Sprints. It was sunny, slightly breezy, and just warm enough to be comfortable. Of course, the first thing I did was to walk the paddock. Clearly, Alfas were the most represented marque at the event and, as I arrived at the Alfas Unlimited trailer, Spiders were everywhere! Not to mention a Sprint Speciale, numerous Sprints, and even a pretty yellow Junior Z. The most impressive car had to be Susan Dixon’s class-winning Sebring Giulietta, which had been driven by Charlie Rainville and Jake Kaplan in the Sebring 12-hour race. This little Alfa is still in its original form, just as it had run back in the late ‘50s. A bit of history on wheels that command the utmost respect! 

Upon arriving at the KTR transporter, I spotted both Richard Meyer’s and Sandy McNeil’s Alfa SZs. As the day progressed, the entire contingent of Alfas took to the track for a couple of hot parade laps. Everyone involved had a great time. Susan’s Sprint was decked out in 50th anniversary decorations, and I have to mention Tom Lacosta, who had created special T-shirts and decals for the 50th.

In the afternoon, the races took place. Tom, driving his Sprint with a fresh engine, went out and turned some very smooth, consistent laps. I suspect that most people during the race took the same approach. In fact, I overheard one driver mention that he didn’t know whether to worry about how rusty his driving was, or to worry about the other guy whose driving was even rustier!

In any case, if all of the great Alfas on a race track at the Spring Sprints were a preview of our Track Day at the Convention in July, then we really have something to look forward to!