Rich and Matt Chmielewski: Meeting John Fitch

Wilkes-Barre, PA

My son & I made our FIRST trip to Lime Rock Park to see the first ALMS race.  We were watching the team Corvette prep their cars when I saw the MAN himself.  JOHN FITCH. 

Knowing his career as a racer & now as a "safety designer", I was hoping that he would take time to shake hands with my son & me.  As we approached him and asked for a picture, he put his arm around my son & smiled like they were old friends! What a unforgettable moment for any racing fan.

We told him this was our first time at Lime Rock Park, to which he said, "What took you so long?"  We responded, "We just didn't take the time to drive up."  We said THAT would never happen again. We fell in love with the place.  We've been back each year for ALMS.  Now, a MUST attend race at Lime Rock Park.

John asked us where we were from.  We stated Wilkes-Barre, PA.  He said, "I race at a hillclimb there...GIANT'S DESPAIR HILLCLIMB."  I said, "WOW!"  He went on to tell us the year 1953 in which he won his class in a open wheel car.  We were amazed at his recall of an event in 1953!!!

Meeting people like Mr. Fitch and walking through the pits at Lime Rock Park are the reasons we'll be back every year.

Best wishes to Lime Rock Park!!!

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