Virginia International Raceway

"One lap here is like 100 at Watkins Glen." - Carroll Shelby

Virginia International Raceway is a 3.27 mile, 12 turn road course located 12 miles east of Danville, Virginia, on the North Carolina state line. It is one hour from Raleigh or Greensboro, and 15 minutes from Danville Regional Airport. Its mild climate permits year-round operation.

The magnificent VIR stands with the great tracks like Bridgehampton, Mont Tremblant, Elkhart Lake, Laguna Seca, Mid-Ohio and Mosport as one of the best driver's circuits in North America. With two long straights - one over 4000 feet - and 130 feet of elevation change, it is immensely challenging and very fast. Linda Sharp wrote, "if you could drive well there, ... you should be able to drive anywhere with little difficulty."

After opening in 1957, VIR hosted two IMSA Camel GT races (including the very first), a Trans Am race, and many SCCA Nationals and regionals. Sadly, VIR was forced to close in 1974 and was used as a cow pasture for nearly 25 years.

Starting in 1998, VIR was rebuilt into a country club style racing showcase. It reopened in 2000. Facilities include two separate paddocks with timing towers, covered tech bays, classrooms, restaurant, race fuel, pro shop, & restrooms with showers.

Major events for 2002 include a Grand Am race, several vintage races, and a number of motorcycle races. COMSCC has not yet hosted an event at VIR, but a number of its members have run there with other clubs.

VIR has an excellent official Web site at http://www.virclub.com/.

A very good private site about the history of VIR is at http://www.virhistory.com/.

The quotes on this page, the maps, and much of the other information was extracted from the above sites.

Track Configurations

As with Mont Tremblant, the rebuild added a new crossover, creating three possible track configurations:

• The Main Course: 3.27 miles
• The North Course: 2.25 miles
• The South Course: 1.64 miles

The North and South Courses are independent and can be operated simultaneously.

Directions

From I-85 or I-95 from the North the track suggests you use I-85 from Petersburg, VA.

• If on I-85, exit on Route 58 in South Hill. If on I-95, exit on Route 58 in Emporia.
• Go west on 58 through Clarkesville and South Boston.
• From the 58/501 intersection in South Boston go 16 miles +/- to route 119.
• Go left (south) on 119. 3.5 miles +/- to Sunset Road.
• Go right on Sunset Road 4 miles +/- to VIR main entrance on right.

For comprehensive directions from anywhere, and area maps, go here.

Helpful Hints

TBD

Food & Lodging

Hotels & Motels

TBD

Food

TBD

Contact Information

Virginia International Raceway
1245 Pine Tree Road
Alton, VA 24520

Phone: 434 822-7700 or 888 Race099
Fax: 434 822-8033

http://www.virclub.com/