IMSA Race TUSC Round 11: VIR

[Lagunaseca_4life]

Well damn.......I had some how forgotten about this race(WTH is wrong with me!?!?)
Also some how didn't notice it was on the same day and time as Indy at sonoma,oh well plans already made and already have tickets.hopfully PWC puts on a good race and Indy should be fun,looks like the dvrs will be put to good use........

[wheelz22]

Originally Posted by WolfsburgRS

I'm pondering a last-minute trip / sleep in the car kind of adventure if things line up right. Mainly because i really want to see CTSCC and the support races on Saturday, and I haven't made it to an event yet this year so would like to check out the paddock as much as possible. Beautiful track, one of my favorites.

Yeah, I agree....to me it's like 'Road America East'.....it's just such a delightful place to spend a weekend. Next Friday can't come soon enough....the long range forecast shows a warming trend with scattered T-storms possibly popping up....

[WolfsburgRS]

Originally Posted by seanyb505

I wouldn't have had second thought about going until I read this. Something about "last minute" inspired me to take Friday off and head up! Sleep in the car adventures are great - that's how I did Sebring last year. Really wish I could stay in Hotel Subaru again, but with the wife coming and it doubling as an anniversary trip...I'm surprised local hotels are sold out. Nearest availibility is 30 miles away.

Yeah there's not much around VIR that isn't 30 miles away, hehe.

Originally Posted by wheelz22

Yeah, I agree....to me it's like 'Road America East'.....it's just such a delightful place to spend a weekend. Next Friday can't come soon enough....the long range forecast shows a warming trend with scattered T-storms possibly popping up....

Yeah I think VIR invites this sort of thing. It's a huge track, plenty of places to park / camp / sleep and the vibe there is great. Yeah it's been repaved, and year the Oak tree is gone, but something about this track feels like you've gone back in time when you're there. I've gone for some vintage events, done some HPDE there and this will be my first actual pro-race as far as attendance. Really looking forward to watching the GT cars go up through those esses!

[wheelz22]

Originally Posted by WolfsburgRS

Yeah there's not much around VIR that isn't 30 miles away, hehe.
Yeah I think VIR invites this sort of thing. It's a huge track, plenty of places to park / camp / sleep and the vibe there is great. Yeah it's been repaved, and year the Oak tree is gone, but something about this track feels like you've gone back in time when you're there. I've gone for some vintage events, done some HPDE there and this will be my first actual pro-race as far as attendance. Really looking forward to watching the GT cars go up through those esses!

Speaking of the dearly departed Oak Tree......did Connie replace it with a new one ? Perhaps a semi-mature tree ? This will be my first visit since we lost the tree.

[WolfsburgRS]

Originally Posted by wheelz22

Speaking of the dearly departed Oak Tree......did Connie replace it with a new one ? Perhaps a semi-mature tree ? This will be my first visit since we lost the tree.

Unfortunately no, they cleared everything out. The corner station was moved over to the left side of the track, before entering oak tree, so it's a lot more open but it obviously has less character.

[JHamilton]

Originally Posted by fieldodreams79

That is indeed pricey considering the advanced order for a PLM 4 day "super ticket" is 80 bucks.

As you pointed out to me yesterday, the biggest problem is the race ends at 6:45pm on a Sunday evening at a track that is in the middle of nowhere. I suppose this was done for TV, but I expect there will be a slight crowd.

[wheelz22]

Originally Posted by WolfsburgRS

Unfortunately no, they cleared everything out. The corner station was moved over to the left side of the track, before entering oak tree, so it's a lot more open but it obviously has less character.

Oh really ?, thanks. Let's hope something is placed there.....perhaps something that could be dedicated to military veterans.

[wheelz22]

Originally Posted by JHamilton

As you pointed out to me yesterday, the biggest problem is the race ends at 6:45pm on a Sunday evening at a track that is in the middle of nowhere. I suppose this was done for TV, but I expect there will be a slight crowd.

I resolved that time issue by electing to take Monday off to fly home then...but of course not all can.

[fieldodreams79]

Originally Posted by JHamilton

As you pointed out to me yesterday, the biggest problem is the race ends at 6:45pm on a Sunday evening at a track that is in the middle of nowhere. I suppose this was done for TV, but I expect there will be a slight crowd.

Originally Posted by wheelz22

I resolved that time issue by electing to take Monday off to fly home then...but of course not all can.

I'd gladly fork over the 80 bucks, but the time is the deal breaker for me and you're right, not everyone can get that Monday off. Lots going on for the Friday schedule which I definitely cannot make and Sunday seems to be a relative ghost town in comparison.

Should be a damn good show on TV between the ads.

[WolfsburgRS]

Originally Posted by JHamilton

As you pointed out to me yesterday, the biggest problem is the race ends at 6:45pm on a Sunday evening at a track that is in the middle of nowhere. I suppose this was done for TV, but I expect there will be a slight crowd.

I didn't even think about that...looks like a late drive / tired Monday morning for me. At least traffic should be light?

[Richard C]

Originally Posted by wheelz22

Speaking of the dearly departed Oak Tree......did Connie replace it with a new one ? Perhaps a semi-mature tree ? This will be my first visit since we lost the tree.

My understanding from talking to senior track staff, is that they do not plan on putting a tree back at or near the original location. The turn will still be known as "Oak tree" minus a tree, just like "Hog Pen" still exists, but minus the original hog pen which is long gone.

I do wonder if at some point they will plant a new oak somewhere on the track as a commemorative substitute for he original given the almost "mascot" nature the tree represented?

Richard

[JHamilton]

Originally Posted by fieldodreams79

I'd gladly fork over the 80 bucks, but the time is the deal breaker for me and you're right, not everyone can get that Monday off. Lots going on for the Friday schedule which I definitely cannot make and Sunday seems to be a relative ghost town in comparison.

Should be a damn good show on TV between the ads.

You put me in a "glass cage of emotion" yesterday.

[fieldodreams79]

Originally Posted by JHamilton

You put me in a "glass cage of emotion" yesterday.

Sorry! I ride that roller coaster every day!

[fieldodreams79]

Originally Posted by Richard Casto

My understanding from talking to senior track staff, is that they do not plan on putting a tree back at or near the original location. The turn will still be known as "Oak tree" minus a tree, just like "Hog Pen" still exists, but minus the original hog pen which is long gone.

I do wonder if at some point they will plant a new oak somewhere on the track as a commemorative substitute for he original given the almost "mascot" nature the tree represented?

Richard

They'll probably plant some sort of "son of the tree" somewhere with a sapling from the old tree or something, but agreed; the Oak Tree at Oak Tree corner is very sadly gone. Don't mask it with a second coming of the Oak.

[DeezPutz]

Originally Posted by TRspitfirefan

The P class pretty much ruined a great GT race at Road America.

How so? This just seems like more grasping at straws.

[Purist]

Because of the cautions, the P class didn't even get around to lapping much, if any really, of the GTLM class at Road America, anyway. So, it would have been impossible for them to interfere with the main fight there at that race.

If the comment was about them taking away TV time, that's nothing new. Also, that would be an issue with the TV/broadcast director, which is a COMPLETELY different matter than the class structure.

As to the round at hand, I'll be alright with the GT race, for now, but VIR should have a fully-fledged round here in the not-too-distant future. The track is large enough and fast enough to handle the full field. The owners have also made major and expensive upgrades to accommodate all the classes even better than had previously been the case.

[CyberMotor]

What's that say about trees? "If you need their shade today, plant them 10 years ago."

That tree had been there many years and is iconic. Tough to replace, but you better start soon if you are planning to do so.

[TRspitfirefan]

Originally Posted by DeezPutz

How so? This just seems like more grasping at straws.

I'll rephrase that.
The P class injustice really dampered my enjoyment of a fantastic GTALMS and GTD race.

VIR should be AWESOME!!!!

[seanyb505]

Just bought tickets. Any pro tips as far as "how to do" VIR?

Also, rather than risk a shady hotel in Martinsville, I'll be staying in Durham, and spending time there on Friday for anniversary purposes. Any pro tips as far as "how to do" Durham?

[nezy37]

Looking forward to this one. VIR is one of my favorite tracks in the world. What a fantastic layout.

[Purist]

Indeed. I often think of VIR as Road Atlanta's bigger, older brother, if you will. There are a number of resemblances in the corners featured and the sequencing of the two laps.

[WolfsburgRS]

Originally Posted by seanyb505

Just bought tickets. Any pro tips as far as "how to do" VIR?

Also, rather than risk a shady hotel in Martinsville, I'll be staying in Durham, and spending time there on Friday for anniversary purposes. Any pro tips as far as "how to do" Durham?

Unfortunately I can't offer anything on Durham, but as far as VIR goes:

http://virnow.com/files/2014/07/VIRtrackMap414.jpg

1. Oak tree isn't accessible from the inside of the track, from which is where most of the rest of the track is accessible. It's worth it if only to watch the cars go up the back stretch and silhouette up over the hill, which is an incredible view and sound, especially at dusk. It evokes emotion. (for me anyway, but I'm pretty nostalgic) I've never been to a pro race there so not sure how they handle getting people over from the infields over to oak tree, maybe a shuttle bus? It's a hike otherwise.

2. The best overall area, IMO, is from the hillside overlooking 'the snake', just after the left hook, and up into the climbing esses. (and just over the bridge) The esses are amazing. More than oaktree, they are VIR to me when I think of the track.

3. The rollercoaster and hog pen are great too, all downhill after the backstretch, going into the rollercoaster should see some of the best passing, along with turn one, which isn't really accessible.

Overall it's just a beautiful place. It's not as spectator-friendly as say, Sebring is, but it's iconic and still a great place.

Also the Pizza place in Milton, Aunt Millies, is amazing. Really solid.

[Danathar]

I say make it a partial night race. I'd bet that track gets REALLY dark. That would be cool.

[Deleted]

Second that.

And more generally, what's happened to the sprint(/ish) twilight-to-darkness races - or even just night races? I bet those kind of events would promote Gran Turismo generation in. Adria 2 Hours with FIA GT for example was fabulous, even if the track had floodlights. Sexy vibe & saturdays.

[Purist]

Maybe they don't want to hurt weekend turnout. After all, with the restrictions at a number of tracks, you'd have to do those twilight races on a Saturday. Unless you have a holiday weekend to work with, you're going from two weekend days to get a good number of people at the track down to just one day.

Twilight is more my thing, as opposed to night darkness, because, beyond a point, you lose the track's surroundings, as well as much of the ability to identify specific cars, other whether its a Prototype or GT based on the headlight cover color.