VIR Stock Car Road Race Tests Open to Fans
“Last year’s test attracted over two dozen cars over two thousand fans," stated track general manager Josh Lief. “Our guests and the teams all had a good time and we intend to continue this tradition." Tickets to the spectator areas are available at the gate and only $10.
Teams testing last year included Hendrick, Joe Gibbs, Evernham and others. Teams use the VIR North Course in preparing cars and drivers for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races in California and New York. Nationwide Series teams test at VIR as well, and these teams are invited to attend.
“Bootie" Barker, NASCAR Sprint Cup crew chief, said that “VIR’s got a good layout – you have high speed, you have esses, you have heavy braking, stuff like that. It’s a very nice facility, nice accommodations. You have a place to stay." The Lodge and Pit Road Suites make VIR even more popular with teams testing, because they don’t have to leave the facility at night.
Drivers like the track for its challenges and its amenities alike. “I like the track. It’s really challenging, and a lot of fun at the same time," comments Dale Earnhardt Jr. He says the track has a “lot of turns, a lot of different inclines, down- and uphill, corners and stuff like that that we don’t really see on other tracks that we run on, road-course-wise. The track itself is really enjoyable and a lot of fun."
Fans who attend the Stock Car Open Test day will be eligible for rides in the VIR Volkswagen R32 Pace Cars at the end of the day or at lunch if time permits. Food and VIR souvenirs will also be available.