On The Road VIR
By Fred Tscheulin


                Beautiful vehicles are not meant to be garaged, but to be driven and admired. So this month we went on the road to discover and feature the Virginia International Raceway (VIR) “America’s Motorsport Resort,” a truly excellent travel destination for car enthusiasts that is just 90 minutes away.
Situated in the heart of Southside Virginia’s “Motor Sports Alley,” VIR has gained the reputation of being one of the country’s best road racing facilities. Throughout the year, VIR hosts a variety of amateur and professional racing events, blending Southern hospitality with spectacular road racing in the traditional European format and providing heart pounding speed and excitement in a beautiful country environment.
                The history behind VIR is quite a story. What was once a working farm and plantation dating back to the early 1800s was converted into one of the country’s earliest permanent road racing circuits. The track first opened in August 1957 with an incredible 3.27-mile natural terrain circuit located on the banks of the Dan River southeast of Danville. For years the track flourished, quickly taking a place among the popular North American road courses of its time such as Watkins Glen in upstate New York and my favorite (until today) Lime Rock, Conn. On opening day, an exhausted Carroll Shelby, creator of the iconic Cobra series, climbed out of his Maserati 450S in Victory Lane and remarked, “One lap at VIR is like a hundred at Watkins Glen.”
                By 1974, however, the track had closed and the land was back to farm use, as it would remain for 25 years, slowly sinking into disrepair. Then, in 1998, this 1,200-acre site was discovered by New York real estate developer and vintage race car driver Harvey Siegel and his business partner Connie Nyholm. Under their direction, the redevelopment began.
                While  maintaining the exact center line of the original 3.27 mile track, it was transformed into a world-class road racing circuit and reopened in 2000. The track now has two crossovers that allow simultaneous events on the North (2.25-mile) and South (1.65-mile) courses. In 2003 the 1.1-mile Patriot Course was constructed. By combining the two crossovers, it can be used as a stand-alone circuit or they can be combined to create a full 4.2-mile circuit. 
                At VIR, you can experience a facility that is renowned for both its beauty and complexity, providing challenges and racing action for new drivers, seasoned enthusiasts and professionals alike. As actor and noted racer Paul Newman said, “If there’s a heaven on earth, it’s VIR…”
                According to VIR management, the track is booked nearly year-round for racing, testing, schools, television productions and corporate events. It offers all the amenities of a first-class country club. You and your family can enjoy the excitement of high-speed road racing, the beauty of the Virginia countryside, plus the benefits of Southern hospitality served up at the VIR Lodge and the Plantation Clubhouse. The picturesque 1840s-era farmhouse has been restored for use as the Plantation Clubhouse, and functions as the centerpiece of the VIR Motorsports Country Club. Operated by full-time Chef Tony Muncey, the Oak Tree Tavern offers great track food and serves VIR’s private-label beer, Oak Tree Pale Ale. You can also quench your thirst at Connie’s, an authentic Irish Pub where you can relax and discuss the events of the day or meet with your buddies and enjoy a game in the billiard room. The VIR Lodge features 27 fully appointed guest rooms, all with a 32-inch flat screen television, wireless high-speed access, DVD/VCR players, a refrigerator, Jacuzzi tub and expansive balconies with panoramic views of the racetrack.
                Since 2000, the new owners have engaged in a program of planned development. Other facilities on site include the VIR RacePlex TM Motorsports Industrial Park; the VIR Gallery, an impressive showroom featuring beautiful high-end collector and racing cars (including a restored  Porsche tractor); the new Paddock Suites and Garages; and the Plantation Valley Kart Track with a 5/8-mile, 24-foot wide circuit with 30 feet of elevation change. According to VIR management, additional plans for 2006 include development of VIPER (Virginia Institute for Performance Engineering and Research) and JOUSTER (Joint Unmanned Systems Testing Engineering and Research); plus a museum dedicated to the Healey marque and construction of rental condominiums.
                Want to drive the track? The VIR Club schedules members-only driving days each month from February through November, totaling more than 17 events per year. Club members drive on a great racetrack while friends and family are happily entertained, enjoying hospitality in country-club style. VIR Club member benefits include driving privileges on six uniquely challenging race courses, free admission for them and their family to all VIR spectator events, preferred membership parking, full use of the clubhouse and pool, and more. Initiation fee is $500 with annual dues ranging from $100 to $175 per month. Discounts are offered for advanced payment and driving days cost extra. 
                Pick a date. There are 11 more spectator events scheduled this year. Admission ranges from $10 for a single day to $60 for a three-day super ticket for the biggest events. Children under 12 are free. Parking is free if you have a race ticket and car clubs can arrange for special “car corral” parking.
               
For more information and race event schedules, visit virclub.com or call the VIR office at 434.822.7700.