Nestled along the twisting banks of the Dan River in south-central Virginia, just a stone’s throw from the North Carolina state-line sits a historic road course. This is where your VIR experience begins. On this same hallowed ground, famed racecar driver and builder, Carol Shelby won the inaugural featured event in 1957 in a Maserati 450S. Now, you have the opportunity to make your own history.

With such great lineage and a beautifully designed and maintained course, it’s easy to see why Virginia International Raceway has become our favorite area racetrack. If you attend the semi-annual charity lap events, you might even catch a glimpse of one of our own Leith performance cars going through the turns.

Beyond the driving excitement, VIR offers so much more for the automotive enthusiast. Here is our list of several track amenities we can recommend to help you get the most out of your VIR experience.

 

Pagoda Grill, Oak Tree Tavern & Connie’s Pub:

VIR offers two great dining options. For a quick snack or race day lunch, stop by Pagoda Grill in the North Paddock or enjoy a gourmet dinner at Oak Tree Tavern & Connie’s Pub.

 Oak Tree Tavern is open Wednesday through Monday at 5 pm; closed Tuesdays.*

 Additional on-site food vendors offer a variety of concessions during race days and other events.*

 

On-site Lodging at VIR:

There are several unique lodging options for the race fan who wants to enjoy the total VIR experience. The Lodge at VIR offers 27 rooms and features a full-length porch with a stunning view of the “snake” portion of the course. The Pit Lane Rooms feature 18 guest rooms overlooking pit lane, and The Villas at South Bend feature six two-story Villas with spectacular views of the fast, uphill Esses.

Non-reserved general camping is permitted on any unpaved area of the facility, except areas designated for reserved camping.*

 

*VIR Driving Club:

VIR is a great historic road course just a short distance from Raleigh where you can drive your sports, classic or high-performance car. One way to do this is by becoming a member of the VIR Club. The club allows members to take part in up to 20 exclusive member driving days each year with two to eight hours of track time per day depending on track configuration.

This is a paid membership club. Read below for more details.*

 

Formula Driving VIR Experience:

For an even more thrilling time at the race track, VIR offers you several types of Formula Racing Experiences where you get behind the wheel of a real race car and participate in an actual 10-lap race. You can also rent one of VIR’s race-prepped production cars like a BMW Spec E30 or Porsche Cayman.

Karting at VIR:

If you’re looking to take part in a more scaled-down racing experience that still has plenty of thrills, then look into VIR’s Kart Track. It’s a 5/8-mile, 24-foot-wide paved course where you get to drive karts powered by ungoverned Honda GX 270cc motors capable of speeds in excess of 50 mph, the fastest go-kart speeds you’ll find anywhere.

 

Track Day Events:

VIR Club Driving Days – March 25-26, April 8, May 12-13, June 16, June 30-July 1, July 31-August 2, September 19-20, September 30, October 13-14, November 12, November 28-29*

You must be a member of the VIR Motorsports Country Club to register for this event. A qualified invited guest of a club member may be allowed to enter with prior approval of the VIR Club Member Director. All drivers must follow the 2020 VIR Club Rules. Visit the VIR Club Schedule for the current Schedule and Supplemental Rules for this event.*

Victory Junction Spring Charity Laps – May 25

For just $25 per 15-minute session, you can get your car on the track! All you need in your car are proper working seat belts. Children of all ages can ride as long as they are seat belted in per law. No helmets or any other special equipment is needed to participate. There is no ticket to get into this event other than paying for your lap sessions when you arrive. All proceeds raised on this day are used to help pay for children’s camp experiences.

Holiday Charity Laps – November 13

For just $25 per 15-minute session, you can get your car on the track! All proceeds raised on this day are used to help the Salvation Army of Roanoke. VIR’s semi-annual charity laps are a great way to introduce yourself and your car to a race track, but you’ll want to follow our “8 ways to get your car track-ready” first.

VIR Season Pass:

If you plan on attending multiple events at VIR in 2020, they offer a VIR Season Pass that allows you access to all of VIR’s ticketed spectator events for a single price.

Want More VIR?

By now, you should have a pretty good idea of how to make the most out of your VIR experience, but if you still want to learn more, go to VIRnow.com. There, you’ll find additional information about corporate retreats, team building, catering, booking a wedding, shopping at VIR’s official track store, TMI Racing Products, shooting sports and the full schedule of spectator racing events at Virginia International Raceway.

 

Written by LeithCars.com Media.

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